Chapter 54: Arrival at the Luofu – A Zombie-like Welcome!
On the train…
March 7th staggered, nearly losing her balance.
"Huh?!"
"We already turned down Kafka's request! Why are we still going to the Luofu?"
Himeko smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, March. Welt and I talked it over—we're not going because of Kafka's plea."
"On the contrary, we need to warn the Luofu's General about the Stellaron Hunters' planned prison break and the impending Stellaron crisis."
"Ohhh…" March nodded in understanding.
Stelle chimed in, "And most importantly—we've got to protect our train's guard!"
"Someone like Blade is too dangerous to leave running around. Keeping him locked up in the Shackling Prison is the safest option."
Dan Heng looked up, a faint smile crossing his usually stoic face.
"Thanks."
"Yeah! And this way, we can catch Kafka off guard too. I'd love to see her panic for once!"
March 7th's excitement returned in full force, while Stelle shook her head slightly. Her expression darkened for a moment—strangely, she felt a pang of concern for Kafka's safety.
What the—?
"…Have I really started thinking of her as my mom?"
Pom-Pom stepped forward, addressing everyone solemnly.
"Pom-Pom doesn't like Kafka, and we won't follow Feathered Spirit's script. But the Trailblazer's path and goals must be chosen by the Trailblazers themselves. That's Akivili's will."
"Good luck to you all!"
As Pom-Pom counted down, the Leap began.
Upon arriving at the Xianzhou Luofu, the team prepared to disembark, sticking to their original plan.
Naturally, Dan Heng wasn't supposed to go, and Himeko would stay on the Express, monitoring the live feed and keeping in touch to flag any major deviations from the game's storyline.
Just as Welt, March 7th, and Stelle were about to set off—
Dan Heng suddenly joined them.
"Dan Heng?"
"I'm coming with you this time," he said firmly, meeting their surprised gazes. "No matter what, I can't keep running from my past."
"This time… I'll face it." His eyes were calm but resolute, a newfound determination burning within.
Welt gave his shoulder an approving pat. "If that's your decision, I respect it."
March 7th bit her lip nervously. "Dan Heng, quick—ask Himeko if this exact line was in the game's script!"
"Characters who say stuff like this usually end up dying…"
Dan Heng froze.
Stelle tapped his dragon-emblazoned shoulder armor. "Or… maybe you should tell us about your secret powers first? That way, we can drop some spoilers on the Honkai: Star Rail forums!"
Dan Heng stayed silent.
…Maybe this was a mistake.
The port's docking procedures began.
Unlike the eerie silence from the game's plot, they were smoothly guided into Luofu's harbor by the local staff.
Just as they were about to step onto Luofu's soil, Himeko's voice crackled through their earpieces with a warning.
"Everyone, in the game, you'd be ambushed by Demonic Yin Bodies here."
"While they shouldn't be much of a threat, stay alert."
Welt nodded. "Understood." He summoned his cane, gaze sharp and steady.
Dan Heng, March, and Stelle readied their weapons, bracing for combat.
The Jade Abacus Gateway slowly opened—
And all four of them stiffened on the spot. Even Welt's composure slipped for a second.
Instead of an empty dock, they were met with crowds of people!
Clusters of tourists posed for photos near stacks of shipping containers, angling to get the Jade Abacus Gateway in the background. The area had apparently turned into a hotspot for sightseers!
Hearing the gateway open, the crowd turned in unison—
And exploded into cheers and applause!
"They're here! The Astral Express crew is really here!"
"WELT-SAMA! I'M YOUR BIGGEST FAN—AAAAHHH!"
"Welcome to Xia Dengzi's livestream! The Trailblazers have arrived! Ten likes and I'll go ask Stelle for a selfie!"
"Dreams fade, but one glimpse lasts an eternity!"
"Miss March 7th, bless me with your grace!"
Welt, Dan Heng, March, and Stelle stood frozen, completely unprepared for this madness.
Welt hastily dismissed his cane, and the other three quickly stowed their weapons.
But then—
The crowd surged forward like a horde of zombies!
Dan Heng reacted fastest, immediately turning to retreat through the still-open gateway. After years away, he never imagined his homeland would become this terrifying.
Stelle and March bolted after him.
March had always daydreamed about fame—but now, faced with these rabid fans, she realized:
Being popular isnotas fun as I thought!
Just then—
A squadron of Cloud Knights rushed in from both sides, weapons gleaming like divine enforcers. They formed a barrier, halting the frenzied crowd.
At their lead was Yukong, Helmswoman of the Sky-Faring Commission.
"My apologies for the commotion, honored guests," she said smoothly. "General Jing Yuan anticipated your arrival. Please, follow me."