[Is its scoring based on age? Doesn't seem like it…]
Old Toby noticed that both Leon and Sampo's scores came up as "Unable to score."
What about other characters?
He tested all the characters in his roster and asked chat about the ones he didn't have, eventually reaching a conclusion.
Among all launch characters, only these two, plus March 7th, couldn't be scored.
Now that's interesting…
It's known that both male characters seem tied to Elation, with Sampo practically confirmed, leaving only Leon—who explicitly said he's not a Masked Fool—and March 7th.
"There's too little info about the Equilibrium Rifle right now."
"Let's see if any characters in the future, like Jing Yuan in the second half of the banner, also can't be scored. Then we can look for patterns."
"No use overthinking now. Let's keep pushing the main story."
Old Toby warped back to the Express.
"Let's check out this Chinese-style map everyone's raving about and see how well it's done."
"I'm really liking the characters, especially Miss Tingyun."
"You know I can't resist a Chinese-style fox girl…"
The Express storyline triggered.
Himeko rose elegantly from the sofa, smiling as she began preparing afternoon tea.
"Everyone, welcome home."
Seeing Himeko's movements, the three men stared intently at the ingredients she used.
Noticing nothing unfamiliar, they all subtly relaxed.
Himeko's normal coffee was unforgettable—delicious, as long as it was normal.
March 7th, being her straightforward self, didn't think much of it.
"The Trailblaze team's first mission with a newbie—smoothly completed!"
"Strictly speaking, it wasn't that smooth. There were some twists and turns."
Stelle placed a hand on Leon's shoulder.
"Don't gloss over how badly Leon got hurt, hey."
March 7th: "Leon's a doctor. He knows his body best. Why're you worrying so much?"
"With that energy, you'd be better off worrying about yourself and cutting down on how often you make Leon worry."
Stelle glanced at March 7th, unconsciously showing a caring look.
She'd privately asked Dan Heng.
On previous Trailblaze missions, the one who made Leon worry the most was March 7th.
But no need to tease her about it.
Between companions, who'd seriously keep score?
Still—
Players with a god's-eye view, especially Leon stans, didn't feel great hearing this.
Aside from Dan Heng, no one knew how the others would react if they learned the truth about Leon's abilities.
"Heh, regardless, I saw everyone's efforts."
At that, Himeko's gaze met Leon's eyes before casually shifting away.
"Especially you, Stelle. As a newbie, everyone's got high praise for you."
Stelle's eyes sparkled with anticipation: "So, what's my mission score this time?"
Himeko: "If there really were a scoring system, I'd give you full marks."
Stelle snapped to attention, saluting with a serious face: "Thank you, boss, for the praise. I'll double my efforts and live up to expectations."
Her formal pose drew amused smiles from the seasoned adults.
"So, any rewards for completing the Trailblaze mission?" Stelle rubbed her hands playfully.
Her tone made it clear she was joking.
Himeko smiled: "Oh, there is. How about I brew you a new coffee blend later? I made it last night—nobody's tried it yet."
"Sweet! My unworthy tears are leaking from my mouth. Can't wait for that delicious coffee~"
"…" Welt's eye twitched, hesitating to speak.
Leon fell into thought, wondering if he should prepare his silver needles later…
Welt considered for a moment and opted for a subtle save.
"…Let's rest on the Express for a bit first to shake off the fatigue from Jarilo-VI."
"Good point. Everyone can head back to their rooms to rest or take a break in this car."
That said, Himeko didn't stop brewing coffee.
"No rush to drink coffee or anything. No need to be formal—do whatever feels comfortable."
Dan Heng nodded: "Then I'll head back to my room."
March 7th sighed, spreading her hands helplessly.
"That blockhead still hasn't gotten any better at socializing."
Look at Leon.
He's already settled on the sofa, eyes half-closed, sipping the steaming coffee Himeko just brewed, savoring it quietly.
"Some things can't be forced, March. I think Dan Heng really values the time he spends with you all—he just doesn't show it."
Himeko patted March's head, then looked at Stelle.
"While you were at the ceremony, Welt and I came up with some conclusions."
"If you've got questions, feel free to chat with us."
From the player's perspective, you could move freely, with task arrows pointing to different spots in the parlor car.
Interacting with companions gave new info—some about the Jarilo-VI journey's wrap-up, others about the game's worldbuilding.
Regarding the part about the Destruction Emanator Erivtos, Himeko respected Leon's wishes and hid some truths from the kids.
She only said that seven hundred years ago, Erivtos brought the Antimatter Legion to this planet and then vanished.
Stelle still had doubts but didn't show it.
Having been glanced at by Nanook at the Herta Space Station, she wasn't shaken enough by the existence of a Destruction Emanator to lose her composure.
After interacting with everyone in the car, the next task marker pointed to Leon.
"Huh?"
Ah Xian was curious why she had to talk to Leon again, since they'd just spoken.
And that earlier conversation hadn't touched on anything personal about him—just some minor details about the Jarilo-VI journey.
She pressed F on Leon.
"Here, a reward for the Trailblaze newbie completing their mission. Hope you like it and find it useful."
Obtained: [Leon's Mysterious Little Gift Box x1]
Opening the inventory to follow the red dot, she found the gift box in the valuables tab.
—An unknown gift from Leon, celebrating the successful completion of your first Trailblaze mission.
—Who knows if what's inside is a surprise or a scare.
Source: Leon.
Ah Xian realized it was a mission reward… wait.
She suddenly remembered Stelle's playful demand for a reward earlier.
Leon actually delivered?!
"Hubby's so thoughtful!"
Clicking to use it, a burst of purple light popped up.
[Obtained Light Cone: Reliable and Proper Hobby.]
Seeing this, many froze for a moment.
Holy—?!
Snapping back, Ah Xian's face lit up with delight.
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!"
"This is the one I needed to hit superimposition 5! How is he so good to the Trailblazer?"
"This mission reward is insanely useful—a non-shop Light Cone!"
Ah Xian clicked to jump to the superimposition menu, but she never could've guessed—
This Light Cone was just an appetizer…
The real deal was still to come.