The Office of the Supreme Guardian
Aventurine and Topaz slowly approached the desk.
"Miss Bronya, I believe we've already shown sufficient sincerity," Aventurine spread his hands, speaking in a sincere tone.
"Regarding the massive debt left behind by Belobog, we've provided a corresponding solution and given you ample time to consider."
At the desk, Bronya was intently staring at the screen of her phone.
The content displayed was none other than Honkai: Star Rail's in-game footage!
And—
Bronya's progress in the game wasn't insignificant.
The scene on the screen was actually set in Belobog!
At that moment, Topaz projected a purple holographic contract and slid it toward Bronya.
"Once you sign this contract, Belobog's future will be secured under the company's—"
Bronya examined the document, about to respond—
When suddenly, the doors of the Qliphoth Fort burst open, and someone rushed in.
"Bronya! Don't sign it yet!"
"Look at this!"
Seele completely ignored Aventurine and Topaz, moving straight to Bronya's side.
Pointing at her phone screen, she said, "Bronya, did you see the message I sent you?"
"It's that scene from Honkai: Star Rail's storyline!"
"When the children from the Underworld come to the Overworld for the first time—"
"I've already seen it, Seele," Bronya replied calmly.
"Huh? When did you see it?"
"Before you recommended the game to me, I had already downloaded Honkai: Star Rail and played it myself."
Seele was stunned for a moment before muttering, "You moved so fast…"
"If it weren't for that guy telling me, I'd still think this 'phone' thing was only for long-distance communication."
Bronya smiled. "After all, I am the Supreme Guardian."
"To ensure Belobog can integrate with the cosmos as soon as possible, I naturally had to familiarize myself with these things quickly."
Seele let out a relieved sigh.
She had been worried about how to explain it to Bronya, but now it seemed Bronya had already seen further ahead.
"This contract—I never intended to accept it from the beginning."
Bronya gently pushed the contract back and stepped down from the desk.
Addressing Topaz and Aventurine, she said, "Through Honkai: Star Rail, I've come to understand Jarilo-VI's place in the universe."
"While the debt is astronomical for us now, we'd rather repay it with our own hands and actions."
"Belobog's fate should be decided by us."
"This is the home the Architects built. This is the land under Preservation's blessing."
Seeing Bronya's resolute stance, Aventurine clapped in exaggerated approval.
Then, with a smirk, he glanced at Topaz.
"Looks like the peaceful approach isn't working."
"You're the lead on this mission—what now?"
"Time for the real measures?"
At the mention of "real measures," Bronya tensed.
Seele reacted even more directly, summoning her scythe and stepping protectively in front of Bronya.
Yet Topaz remained composed, unfazed by Bronya's refusal.
Instead, she smiled.
"Well said, Miss Bronya."
"I wasn't wrong about you."
"You truly are an exceptional leader."
"Honestly, if you had signed that contract just now, I would've been very disappointed."
"I've also played Honkai: Star Rail and witnessed the Trailblazers' journey on this planet."
"So… I know exactly what kind of person Bronya, the current Supreme Guardian of Belobog, is."
"Just as the story portrayed."
Bronya was stunned, clearly not expecting this outcome.
Seele, too, hesitated, unsure whether to lower her weapon.
"Alright, enough with the theatrics."
"Since Honkai: Star Rail features this as its second explorable region, the planet's assessed value has skyrocketed."
"The company did want to acquire Jarilo-VI, but based on evaluations, I ultimately chose cooperation instead."
"The company will invest, assisting with environmental restoration and future development projects."
"Let me be clear—"
"The company wants to turn Jarilo-VI into a tourist destination."
"We'll cover all development costs and even share technology to help expand beyond Belobog's single city—building corporate towers, commercial districts, and more."
"Belobog's citizens can either take high-paying jobs with us or benefit from the tourism boom."
"If you agree, Belobog's living standards will skyrocket in record time."
"And Jarilo-VI's leadership will remain yours, Supreme Guardian."
Topaz's words left Bronya even more bewildered.
The terms were a complete reversal—
The first contract was a corporate takeover.
This one was full corporate support with no loss of autonomy.
Aventurine, meanwhile, feigned shock.
"What?! Topaz, did I hear that right?"
"We're not here to acquire—we're here to join?!"
"The higher-ups approved these terms? And you kept it from me?!"
"If my homeworld had gotten a deal like this, I'd have—"
Bronya knew the Interastral Peace Corporation was profit-driven.
Aventurine's theatrics were likely part of an act, playing along with Topaz.
Still, the offer was undeniably tempting.
But…
Bronya took a deep breath.
"In that case…"
"I'd like you both to experience Honkai: Star Rail's latest event with me."
"It's called Everwinter City Museum Ledger of Curiosities."
"After seeing it, you'll understand my decision."
---
The Xianzhou Luofu
Since Dan Heng was touring old sights with Jing Yuan, Yanqing, and Blade, the rest of the crew stayed longer on the Luofu.
March 7th dragged Stelle out shopping, only for fans to recognize them instantly, swarming for autographs and photos.
After a day of dodging players, they retreated to the Sky-Faring Commission's hotel.
"Whew… That was exhausting."
"Much comfier just gaming here."
On the balcony, March and Stelle lounged with Immortal's Delight drinks, logging into the updated game.
Stelle chose the Everwinter City Museum Ledger of Curiosities event, while March tackled Bailu's companion quest.
Meanwhile, in another room, Welt finally had time to log in.
Opening his character screen, he stared at the new unit: [Luocha].
His expression grew serious.
"I'm still uneasy."
"The companion mission [A Knight Stranger]—I need to complete it myself."
To be continued…
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