[So you really don't plan on going to Belobog after all...]
After leaving the Luofu, the System immediately realized that Lumina had been telling the truth to March 7th and the others aboard the Astral Express. She showed absolutely no intention of asking for the coordinates of Jarilo-VI.
"Hmm? What else? Didn't I say from the start I wasn't going?" Lumina hummed, floating barefoot through the Cosmos, and countered with a question, her gaze fixed on the words suddenly appearing on the screen.
[I thought you were just saying that, but you'd still "get lost" or something and inexplicably arrive at Jarilo-VI, giving the Astral Express, March 7th, the Players beyond the screen—everyone a huge surprise...]
Hearing Lumina's response, the System painstakingly typed out the elaborate plan it had imagined Lumina would execute, word for word.
Lumina: ?
Does this System really think I'm so untrustworthy?
Lumina shook her head, dismissing the thought. Her cosmic strides continued unabated as she said in a detached tone, "I won't be going to Belobog, nor to the Xianzhou Luofu in Version 1.5."
"Since these are just interlude chapters that don't impact the main story, let the local residents and the Astral Express bear witness."
"To... enhance my later entrance—no, to make my later appearances even more impactful, disappearing for two Versions seems like a wise move."
"Besides, these two Versions will give me the perfect opportunity to focus on some crucial matters..."
"And let's be honest, if I showed up every Version, the Players outside the game might start to get restless."
I'm not the protagonist of the Astral Express. If I showed up in every Version, some obsessed fans of other characters would inevitably use that as fuel to slander me.
While such obsessive fans are rare for each character, when you add them all up, they make quite a sizable group.
Of course, these weren't the main reasons. Although those obsessive "Lumina haters" numbered quite a few when combined, sorry, but we Lumina simps are invincible o( ̄ヘ ̄o#)!
Lumina's real reason for avoiding Versions 1.4 and 1.5 was simply wanting to watch the players' reactions—their frustrated tears and tantrums when they couldn't see her for two versions. (Strike that!)
Mainly, she wanted to prepare for the upcoming story arcs centered around her.
After all, this was her Golden Stage, so Lumina naturally wanted to give it her utmost attention.
Whether it was during the Space Station arc or the Xianzhou Luofu arc, she had never been the true protagonist.
To put it bluntly, she had merely been a supporting character... or, to put it more generously, a powerful supporting character with significant screen time.
So, now that a version centered around her, with her as the main character, was imminent, how could Lumina possibly not take it seriously?
[You're planning to release your own version and gacha banner after Version 1.6 but before Version 2.0, right?]
Having heard Lumina's reasoning, the System finally understood why she wanted to disappear for a while.
For example, if you stay by someone's side constantly for a year, they might lose most of their interest in you. After all, the novelty will have worn off by then.
But if you disappear for a few months during that year... when you reunite, the reunion will be as surprising and joyous as your first encounter.
"Exactly! It's the perfect time to give the Players a taste of Honkai!"
Lumina grinned at the message from the System.
Between Version 1.6 and the opening of Version 2.0, there couldn't be a more opportune moment.
Just before Penacony's gates swing open in Version 2.0, let's give the Players in the real world a taste of why this game had Honkai in its title.
Then, with a simple twist of the knife, we'll shatter their fragile hearts!
The thought of watching them wail and tear their hair filled Lumina with delight.
[Ugh, you're such a wicked person.]
Seeing Lumina's somewhat terrifying demeanor, the System couldn't help but shiver.
Fortunately, this Little Lumina, who changed her attitude faster than flipping a book, couldn't affect it in the slightest. [ o(* ̄▽ ̄*)ブ ]
Naturally, the System had no need to tailor its actions to her whims.
Lumina: ...
Seeing the System's inner thoughts, Lumina's expression darkened instantly.
But the very next moment, she swiftly concealed her dark look, reverting to her usual tranquil and gentle smile.
Lumina's expression shifted so quickly that the System, still immersed in its own world, completely missed it.
"After the Version 1.6 Main Story ends, all I need to do is bring Stelle to the location of my mission, right?"
There's an old saying on the Xianzhou: "A gentleman's revenge is never late, even after ten years." As a "true gentleman," Lumina had plenty of time to teach her a proper lesson.
Therefore, Lumina wasn't in any rush. After composing herself, she calmly inquired of the System.
While taking Stelle away would undoubtedly alter the plot, Lumina had no idea how to handle things like version themes or gacha pools.
[Just focus on doing what you want! Leave the rest to me!]
Upon hearing Lumina's question, the System projected a string of words that radiated supreme confidence and authority.
"That's good." Seeing this, Lumina nodded, a relieved smile spreading across her face.
"But now that's settled, what kind of identity should I assume when I appear before the Players?"
Ding-a-ling~ Ding-a-ling~ Ding-a-ling~
Just as Lumina was pondering what story to concoct, a melodious chime suddenly echoed through the cosmos.
Though how a phone ringtone could travel through the vacuum of space remained a mystery, it was likely due to some modification Lumina had made.
Picking up her phone, Lumina glanced at the screen and saw the message was from Herta. A faint smirk of triumph curled at the corners of her lips.
[Herta: The Simulated Universe has entered a new phase, and I need your help.]
[Herta: If you have the time, could you come to the Space Station?]
[ [Herta]: ] Ruan Mei and Screwllum will also be visiting the Space Station soon. You can meet them then.
Looking at the three sentences Herta had sent, Lumina automatically filtered out the irrelevant information. In the end, only the name Ruan Mei remained in her focus.
Lumina tapped her fingers on the screen, slowly typing out a few sentences:
[Lumina: Are you begging me?]
[Lumina: If you are, your tone is all wrong.]
[Lumina: Shouldn't you be more sincere, more humble?]
After sending these messages, Herta replied almost immediately:
[Herta: ?]
[Herta: Yes, I am begging you.]
[Herta: Please, hurry to the Space Station and help me test the Simulated Universe.]
[Lumina: ?]
[Lumina: ?]