Chapter 119: The Return of the Black Swan
March 7th's fingers flew across her phone, her thumbs a blur as she passionately described Sode no Shirayuki's beauty and power in the group chat. She even attached a few photos of the elegant white blade, every word she typed brimming with unrestrained pride.
Her message instantly set the group chat ablaze.
[Zenless Zone Zero · Wise]: "Wow. A purple-tier weapon. March 7th, your luck is truly exceptional. I'm envious."
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "A purple weapon! That sounds amazing! But... Paimon was the first one to get a purple one, you know!"
[Astral Express · Stelle]: "You guys should have seen the silly grin on her face when she got the sword! She was practically drooling!"
Stelle never missed an opportunity to tease March 7th.
[Genshin Impact · Zhongli]: "@Astral Express · March 7th, congratulations on acquiring a powerful tool. However, a weapon is also a dangerous instrument. It would be wise to familiarize yourself with it in the group's training room. Using it in actual combat without proper practice could harm both yourself and others, leading to unintended consequences."
Zhongli's steady and experienced words acted like a splash of cool water, slightly tempering March 7th's overheated excitement.
[Astral Express · March 7th]: "Got it, Mr. Zhongli! Thanks for the reminder! I'll go to the training room later to properly bond with Sode no Shirayuki! I promise to tame it completely!"
Meanwhile, Stelle, who was sprawled on the sofa beside her, watched the exchange between March 7th and Zhongli unfold. She glanced over at March, who now looked genuinely determined to head to the training room.
A subtle, knowing smile, tinged with a hint of "mission accomplished," crept onto Stelle's lips.
'Hehe…'she chuckled inwardly.'The method was a little different, but March still ended up deciding to spend her points in the training room, didn't she? My initial strategic goal has ultimately been achieved in another form!'
Truly, the wisdom of Stelle is boundless, she thought, puffing out her chest in a moment of silent self-admiration.
While the group chat buzzed with discussion about March s new weapon, a sweet, mixed-fruit aroma began to waft through the observation car, originating from the brand-new Star Rail Teas machine.
The conductor, Pom-Pom, was enthusiastically trying to replicate various drinks with it, distributing cups of alluringly colored and fragrant fruit juice to everyone present.
Stelle and March 7th were lounging comfortably on the sofa, scrolling through the chat and enjoying this rare moment of leisure.
Just then, the door to the observation car slid open with a near-silent hiss, and an elegant figure stepped inside. It was the Emanator, Black Swan, who had been away from the Astral Express for some time.
Her attire bore the faint dust of a long journey, but her all-seeing eyes remained as serene and deep as ever.
"Welcome back, Black Swan," Himeko said gently, setting down her coffee cup.
"Yes, I'm back," Black Swan nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the refreshed bar and the colorful drinks in Pom-Pom's paws. "It seems quite a few interesting things happened on the Express while I was away?"
Pom-Pom skillfully tapped the control panel of the Star Rail Teas machine a few times with her short paws. The machine hummed softly, and soon, a drink with a peculiar starlight hue, garnished with fresh mint leaves, was pushed out from the dispenser.
The conductor proudly handed it to Black Swan. "Passenger Black Swan, please try it, Pom-Pom! This is Starlight Mint Dew, made with the new machine, Pom-Pom!"
"Thank you, Conductor," Black Swan smiled faintly. Her gaze swept through the car once more. Not seeing a familiar face, she asked, "Where is Dan Heng?"
"Passenger Dan Heng seems to be researching something in his room," Pom-Pom replied. "He's in seclusion, Pom-Pom."
Black Swan's return had finally pulled Stelle and March 7th's attention away from their phones.
"Black Swan! You're back!" March 7th sat up straight, her curiosity piqued. "Where have you been all this time? It feels like ages since we last saw you!"
Stelle also leaned over, blinking her large eyes. "Yeah, yeah! Did you discover some treasure-filled star system? Are you planning to take us treasure hunting?"
Black Swan looked at their energetic expressions, a faint smile playing on her lips as she gently swirled the cup in her hand. "No treasure-filled star system for now, but I did pay a visit to the Garden of Recollection."
"The Garden of Recollection?" March 7th and Stelle both perked up at the name.
Black Swan nodded, her expression turning serious. "Amphoreus... it is a sparsely documented star system, shrouded in an unknown mist. Not even Akivili ever set foot there. The risks are immeasurable."
She looked at Stelle and March 7th, her eyes sincere. "To let my friends venture into such an unknown place unprepared would be irresponsible of me. So, I sought out some information about Amphoreus, hoping to provide you with some guidance."
Stelle immediately sat up straight, adopting the posture of a serious sage—though the effect was a bit comical. "Oh? Tell us quickly, what exactly is the situation with Amphoreus?"
Black Swan gathered her thoughts, slowly recounting the key information she had obtained from the Garden of Recollection.
"Three intertwined Paths weave around Amphoreus, composing the world's destiny. One is Erudition, another is Remembrance. As for the third Path... unfortunately, destiny is too stingy to reveal its true nature. I do not know what it is."
She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. ", in this isolated star system, at least three beings comparable to Emanators have been born. It's even possible that the Aeons themselves have left their traces there."
After hearing this, Stelle adopted a look of deep wisdom. "So that's how it is! Alright, it's decided! Next stop, we divert to Rusalka Star!" she declared. "Amphoreus is too dangerous! A place where Emanators were born? Is that somewhere we can just casually go? No, no! Safety first!"
March 7th hadn't even had a chance to tease Stelle for her sudden cowardice before Black Swan let out a soft, melodious chuckle.
"Oh? You think it's dangerous because Emanators were born there?" Black Swan's purple eyes held a light that seemed to see right through a person's heart. She elegantly raised her cup of Starlight Mint Dew.
She spoke slowly, her voice a silken thread. "Stelle, think about it from another perspective. A place where Emanators were born means there might still be lingering insights into the Emanator realm, or... powerful forces that have yet to dissipate. It also means..."
She leaned forward slightly, her voice carrying a captivating, persuasive charm.
"You might encounter new, powerful individuals there, people also seeking strength and their own Paths. You might even... gain a future 'Emanator friend,'you know? Are you really not considering... expanding your incredibly valuable'network'?"
"Emanator... friend?!"
Stelle's eyes instantly lit up like a pair of high-beam searchlights. Connections! Especially high-level connections! This was a crucial strategic resource for her, both as a "senior Trailblazer" and a "chat group administrator."
"You're right! How could I not have thought of that!" Stelle was instantly revived, her back straightening as she waved a small hand, exuding an impressive, commanding aura. "What's a little danger! Nothing ventured, nothing gained! The original plan remains unchanged! Next stop, Amphoreus! For the people... er, for the Trailblaze! Charge!"
Pom-Pom watched Stelle's expression change faster than one could flip through a book. The conductor's long ears twitched, but by now, they were used to it.
Pom-Pom cleared their throat and solemnly announced, "Since everyone has decided! Then, the Astral Express will complete its final rest and resupply today! We depart on time tomorrow. Destination—Amphoreus! Any questions, Pom-Pom?"
"No problem!" March 7th was the first to respond; she needed time to properly study Sode no Shirayuki anyway.
Himeko and Welt exchanged a knowing glance and nodded. "Agreed."
Black Swan gave an elegant nod. "I look forward to the journey ahead."
Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Stelle immediately raised both hands. "Of course, no problem! I also need to—prepare well—for the upcoming Trailblazing mission!" She wore a serious expression, as if she were shouldering a great and noble responsibility.
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