In a parallel world called Blue Star,
numerous streamers had already started their broadcasts early, eagerly waiting in front of their screens, rubbing their hands in anticipation, their expressions brimming with excitement.
As for the viewers in the live chat, most were office workers or students unable to play the game right away, though some had the chance to slack off.
"As a pioneer who participated in three closed beta tests, I'm really looking forward to seeing how much the public release has evolved."
On camera was a charismatic female streamer, Jiang Wuxian, dressed in an outfit that precisely toed the line of the platform's moderation limits.
Due to her stunning screen presence, she'd earned the nickname "8K Sister" or simply "Ah Xian" among her fans.
She had a virtual avatar, but since she was doing a reaction for the new game, she chose to appear on camera without it.
Known for creating refined literary works about human continuation, she was bold enough to use herself as a model, which made her quite popular.
Her fans in the live chat knew her all too well and didn't believe a single word of her grandiose statements.
[Stop pretending, Ah Xian!]
[If I hadn't stayed up all night after seeing Ah Xian's new work on Blue P, I might've believed her.]
[Seele grinding tofu is the real deal!]
[I'm new here. What's Blue P? And what's grinding tofu? Can someone kindly explain… swiftly?]
[Don't ask. Just believe in science.]
Ah Xian, equally familiar with her fans' antics, calmly began setting up a giveaway.
"Everyone, just send a comment to participate. I'm giving away three fully maxed-out Seele and Jing Yuan accounts, which can be converted to cash. Plus, I'll throw in a free doujin story featuring your chosen character and theme."
In an instant, the chat became a unified flood of comments.
After setting it up, Ah Xian cupped her cheeks, her face turning dreamy.
"Jing Yuan, my darling husband, wait for me! I'll come to the Xianzhou to meet you soon~~"
[Sha Seng's Burden sent SC1000: Well said, streamer! Ever thought about drawing a doujin of yourself with Jing Yuan?]
"Thanks for Sha Seng's jump… I mean, thanks for the SC! You fishing trolls, are you all so obsessed with seeing my avatar in a doujin with a 2D character?"
[Can't help it. Ah Xian makes it too easy to commit crimes!]
[After buzzer all, the streamer is just too great.]
"Hold it right there. A doujin of me and my darling Jing Yuan? That's for my eyes only."
[Hoarding all the goods, huh?]
[Just throw enough cash, and there's no such thing as hoarding.]
[Hah, woman, don't go falling for some guy hotter than Jing Yuan later.]
Ah Xian suddenly stared into the camera, resolute.
"I, Jiang Wuxian, swear that even if the tides rage below, my heart belongs to Jing Yuan alone!"
[Setting up a flag without a little extra spice?]
"No big deal. If I ever fall for someone else, I'll draw a doujin of myself with that character, share it with you all for free, and it'll be on the scale of Yuki-onna!"
[WOC!]
[Yes, yes, yes! Recording team, start clipping!]
[Old MiHoYo, you know what I'm thinking, right?]
[First time playing a gacha game, and I'm hoping for a male character so hot I'll lick the screen, just to throw a boomerang at Ah Xian's face.]
"Give it up, you lot. Don't I already know all the hot male characters coming in the future?"
Sure, the Bishop and Blade might be handsome, but her heart was set on Jing Yuan.
[Game's live early!]
Ah Xian's eyes lit up as she slammed the login button, only to be greeted by a prompt to update a 500MB patch.
"Damn it!!"
…
Astral Express
In this life, Leon's identity was straightforward, a classic among classics.
An amnesiac passenger who boarded the train in search of lost memories, embarking on a journey of trailblazing.
The system, while third-rate, had never once messed up his identity setup.
To the Astral Express crew, he was a companion who had joined them on several trailblazing journeys, slightly skilled in medicine, and also served as the train's doctor.
Leon stepped out of the party car and entered the observation car.
Welt was tinkering with a model on the sofa, while the conductor, Pom-Pom, was mopping the floor.
"Has everyone set off?"
"Himeko saw you sleeping soundly and didn't want to disturb you," Welt said.
Leon nodded.
He wasn't sleeping soundly—he was pondering the storyline.
He had a script similar to that of the Stellaron Hunters.
It was system-provided.
The difference was that the system's script allowed for significant modifications, giving him room to act.
Calling it modification was more like participation.
Everything that happened after his involvement was no illusion.
To players in this parallel world, they were game characters, and the world was a fictional construct.
The story scenes players saw were all edited and polished by the system.
But Leon knew that everyone he saw was unique and real.
To put it less delicately: the characters truly had lives of their own.
Participating in the story wasn't something to be done carelessly, acting on every whim.
"By my calculations, they should be back from the space station with supplies by now."
Welt glanced at the clock, but unexpectedly, an urgent signal came through the synesthesia beacon. He quickly connected it and put it on speaker.
"What's wrong, Himeko?"
"The Antimatter Legion has launched a surprise attack on Herta Space Station. At Asta's request, we're staying to help!"
"The Antimatter Legion…" Welt's brow furrowed. "I'll come assist."
"No," Himeko replied. "The train is docked at Platform J-23 of the space station. It's bound to be targeted by the Antimatter Legion. You and Leon stay and guard it, and wait for further updates."
"Understood."
The call cut off. Welt's gaze met Leon's, and they nodded in silent understanding before activating the train's navigation system.
Through the navigation system, they could see that Himeko and the other two at the space station were currently split up.
"Welt, look outside."
Leon issued a warning.
A group of Antimatter Legion Voidrangers was surging toward the train.
"You're the doctor. I'll handle this."
Welt put away his unfinished model, curled his fingers around his cane, and adjusted his glasses.
"A doctor who can't fight isn't a good Sky Haven Clan member. I happen to know a bit of martial arts and techniques. Together, we'll be more efficient."
As soon as Leon spoke, Welt saw the Voidrangers outside the train swept up by two gusts of wind, colliding violently and shattering into countless pieces.
"Your abilities have returned?" Welt asked, surprised.
The Sky Haven Clan was born with the innate ability to control the wind.
"Less than thirty percent, but it's enough to deal with the Legion's grunts."
"…"
As time passed, fewer Voidrangers targeted the train, and the two gradually ceased their actions.
Welt reopened the navigation system's interface and saw the three markers converging, letting out a subconscious sigh of relief.
At that moment, the entire space station trembled, and a louder alarm blared.
"It's the Doomsday Beast," Leon said, looking upward.
"The space station's shield is being eroded, and communications are disrupted. We can't contact Himeko and the others right now."
Welt continued in a grave tone, "The navigation system's signal is also becoming unstable."
Hearing this, Leon gave a slight smile.
Perfect timing for his entrance, wasn't it?
"The space station is facing threats from within and without. Casualties are inevitable. You keep guarding the train."
"And you?"
"While the navigation system's signal still holds, I'll go help. If I see them retreating to a nearby platform, I'll notify Pom-Pom to pick them up."
"Alright. Be careful."