Stories Across the Universe

(Talk to Himeko)

Earlier, on the Astral Express...

Pom-Pom: Oh, Passenger (Trailblazer) is here, we were just looking for you!

What are you people up to?

Himeko: Maintain [sic] a necessary sense of ceremony — I wanted to bring everyone to enjoy some coffee, tea and pastry [sic], but it was unanimously rejected.

Dan Heng: According to the data bank, past Nameless members would throw a Trailblaze celebration after each stop. Sometimes, it's a tea party, sometimes it's a race, and sometimes even a knightly joust...

Dan Heng: But the number of passengers eventually waned, so this tradition has faded out.

Welt: Say, a freight skiff from the IPC just dropped off a package. Inside was a box labeled "To the Galactic Baseballer" — I assume it's meant for you.

Looks pretty neat.

Welt: Yeah, it has this really sleek tech vibe. I'm curious what it's for.

My fans can be quite enthusiastic.

Dan Heng: The IPC's insignia is on it, so it's probably not a fan gift.

You should have waited for me before opening it.

Pom-Pom: It was addressed to the Astral Express, though I only realized it was for you after opening it.

What if it's actually a bomb...

Himeko: That's a bit paranoid. Relax, I already ran a security check.

Himeko: Either ways, since the actual receiver is here, let's open it up—

When you lift the lid, a screen inside flickers to life.

Danksi: ...Testing, testing, one two three four five six seven — oh nice, video's working! Looks like Interastral Peace Express really knows their stuff. Definitely giving them a thumbs up.

Danksi: Greeting, Nameless (Trailblazer) and other crew members of the Astral Express. This is Danksi, calling from the distant world of Paradoxe.

Paradoxe? Where is that?

Himeko: I've heard of Paradoxe. It was a planet that followed the Beauty before signing a contract with the Interastral Peace Entertainment, turning it into a cultural industry base under the IPC.

Danksi: That's right. My family used to be the most popular artistic aristocracy on Paradoxe with many theater works under our belt.

Danksi: However, everyone watched the IPC's Tousled Detective and Leblanc: The Meteor Thief, so my family gradually declined...

So we're famous now?

Danksi: Absolutely! Every world connected to the silver rail knows about the Astral Express! And everyone knows about the Nameless!

What do you need from us?

Danksi: Ahem... I developed an Astral-Express-themed game. In other words, it's my little homage for the Astral Express.

Danksi: Try it out, please! I've always loved following your stories!

Danksi: The game's demo package is in this device. It uses cutting-edge brainwave tech for full virtual immersion... Hardware-wise, it's the best you can get.

Danksi: Also, I've made all Initial Characters Express Crew members.

Dan Heng: That does add a dramatic value, just in time for the Trailblaze Celebration...

Himeko: Heheh, why not make it the featured game of the ceremony. [sic]

Welt: March said that she'll be here soon, (Trailblazer), why don't we start with you?

Game on!

(Opens Event interface and begins Star Rail WORLD tutorial)

Transcription missing

(Talk to Pom-Pom, optional)

Pom-Pom: It's rare to receive such an interesting present in the Express, Pom-Pom thinks that it's unique.

(Talk to Dan Heng, optional)

Dan Heng I don't dislike video games. Of course, I'm not exactly good at them either.

(Talk to Himeko, optional)

Himeko If we can take this opportunity to restart the Trailblaze Ceremony, that'll be wonderful.

(Talk to Welt, optional)

Welt: It's been a while since I played this type of niche indie game. I hope it's not too difficult.