Chapter 122: Stargazer, Let Us Meet Again in the Distant Future
[Having just sealed the aberrant beast, before they could even catch their breath, the entire altar suddenly began to tremble violently. Stargazer and the others remained vigilant, fearing another enemy attack.
However, the Captain seemed to know what was happening. "Thou who hast awakened me, speak thy wish."
"Wh-what is this…?"
Stargazer murmured in shock. "Ah… So it really is you, Golem," the Captain revealed the identity of the unknown voice. "How dost thou know mine name… Ah, I see. Thou art the one who once made a wish upon me in the future."
"Thus, thou hast forfeited thy right to make another wish this time."
"Ha… That 'wish' might as well not have existed," the Captain muttered with a complicated expression. Seeing Stargazer's confusion, the Captain briefly explained what this entity was. Golem was a special wish-granting mechanism. Stargazer's wish went without saying—she desired eternal peace and prosperity for her empire. Upon hearing this, Golem swiftly granted her wish, bestowing immortality upon both Stargazer and Rita.
In Golem's understanding, as long as Stargazer and Rita lived forever, such a goal could easily be achieved— "If no external calamity befalls thee, thou shalt never perish."
And with that, Golem returned to its slumber.]
[March 7th]:"Huh? What kind of logic is that?"
[Qingque]:"Let me translate Golem's reasoning: 'Simple solution—just make them work overtime forever.'"
[Stelle]:"No! If Her Majesty and the Chancellor become immortal, what about the generals? The empire will fall into chaos! Your Majesty!!"
[March 7th]:"Wow, you're really committed to playing the loyal subject of the Glorious Empire!"
[Bronya Zaychik]:"Bronya believes this should be called a 'cyber-loyalist.'"
[Fu Xuan]:"Immortality in a World Bubble… granted so easily? Without any side effects like Mara?"
[Honkai Star Rail·Welt]:"Hmm… World Bubble rules vary endlessly. Perhaps Golem is this bubble's Ether Anchor?"
[Vita]:"Wish-granting… brings back unpleasant memories."
[Herta]:"What even is an 'Ether Anchor'?"
[Even after Golem returned to slumber, Stargazer still hadn't fully grasped the situation: "Ahh… Assassin, what exactly just happened?"
*"Well… It's always been like this.
While it truly is a wish-granting device capable of anything, its questionable interpretation skills are undeniable."* "So you mean…"
"Yeah… As unbelievable as it sounds… You and Rita are now effectively immortal.""Immortal… Does that mean I'll have infinite time to uncover all the mysteries of this world?"
Stargazer's voice brimmed with excitement and joy. "Even in the distant future, we could still— Wait, Assassin… Don't tell me you and my future self…" The Captain realized she had already guessed the truth. Just as he was about to confirm it, Tesla intervened. If he revealed it now, the future would spiral out of control. Though low on energy, Tesla reminded him—his [history] had already concluded. "...So this is where it ends. Assassin, are you leaving?"
The Captain sighed. "Stargazer… You really are as sharp as ever."
"Or perhaps… you've always been this way from the very beginning?"]
[Elysia]:"They're parting ways… But in the future, Stargazer and the Captain will surely find happiness, right? They must! ♪"
[Vill-V]:"When they meet again, Stargazer will see only the blank slate of the Captain's earliest self."
[Jing Yuan]:"Immortality… I hope for Stargazer's sake that it proves a blessing rather than a curse."
[Rita invited the Captain for drinks, wanting the people of Glorious Moon City to know who had saved them. The Captain and Stargazer exchanged a silent gaze before she finally spoke with difficulty: "Rita… Let them go."
"Ever since the aberrant beasts descended three years ago, countless soldiers and civilians have suffered.""These visitors who do not belong in this world are like ink in water—they will inevitably disrupt its natural order."
Though she spoke resolutely, sorrow lingered in her eyes: *"It's just… I thought I would never see you again in this lifetime.
Yet now that we've reunited, we must part once more…"*
As their farewell neared, a desperate thought surfaced from the depths of the Captain's heart— Driven by fear, he blurted out: "Come with me! Stargazer!"
"...Eh?"
For a brief moment, shock flashed across the girl's face before she hid it behind her feathered fan. Then, she smiled softly. "...Thank you, Assassin."]
[Pela]:"Why can't this ship ever sail?!"
[March 7th]:"Why separate?! Just say yes!"
[Qingque]:"Alas, Stargazer bears the weight of an entire empire—she's no ordinary girl."
[Kiana]:"What did the Captain experience in the future to say something like that?"
[March 7th]:"No way… Don't tell me Stargazer gets doomed later?!"
[Stelle]:"Exactly! If anyone gets doomed, let it be the Captain! He's tough enough to handle it!" ["...I'm sorry. I can't go with you."
"You have your own future to pursue… and I have my empire to uphold.""Though countless trials may lie ahead, they are what I must face, endure, and overcome—as its ruler."
"So for now… I cannot leave with you, Assassin."
Despite their reluctance, the moment of parting arrived in heavy silence. "...Goodbye, Stargazer."
"Assassin!"
She called out suddenly. "...We will meet again someday… won't we?"
As they bid their final farewells, Tesla's energy depleted completely, rendering her unconscious.
The Captain whispered one last time: "...Goodbye, Stargazer."[Consciousness projection—terminated.]]
[March 7th]:"...In a way, this counts as a good ending, right?"
[Theresa]:"In the end, Stargazer couldn't abandon her people…"
[Murata Himeko]:"Even a wish-granting device trusts her to rule well. Meanwhile, Theresa becoming Overseer? I have concerns!"
[Theresa]:"I'll be a diligent and hardworking Overseer! I'll finish all my work even if it means overtime!"
[Qingque]:"Wait—so Stargazer has to work overtime indefinitely?! That's terrifying!"
[Guinaifen]:"Why is your takeaway always so bizarre?"
[Stelle]:"I've eaten too much glass-filled dog food today—I need to see Firefly immediately!"
[Firefly]:"...Eh?!"
A/N : Tomorrow wraps up Honkai Kingdoms Zero—should we continue with the Captain's route or Penacony next? Press 1 for Captain's route;
Press 2 for Penacony.