Honkai: Star Rail – From the Moment Tom The Cat Became My Passenger

Of course Stelle agreed to board the train.

After all, right now she was like a newborn baby just awakened at the space station—the first thing she saw were these three, and together, they'd already been through so much.

She'd naturally grown quite attached to them, and with Kafka's verbal trigger lingering in her mind, not boarding the train would actually be the strange choice.

Still, Yevenko had heard that, back before transmigrating, there was a hidden option for Stelle not to board the train, skipping straight to a secret ending.

But even that choice would mysteriously vanish when you logged back into the game—only "Board Train" would remain.

Just like Yevenko's current situation.

Himeko and the others thought Yevenko could travel freely and blaze new trails wherever he liked thanks to his own Astral Express. But only Yevenko himself knew that, right now…

—There was no choice at all.

That classic protagonist's "Sorry, but I refuse!" line? Couldn't even get it out.

Not that he had any reason to refuse, anyway.

Yevenko pressed his lips together, then spoke up.

"I agree."

"Tom and I both think exploring with all of you is a great idea."

Hearing this, March 7th's face lit up with delight. Her rainbow-colored eyes curved into crescents, and a sun-bright smile blossomed on her pink lips.

No treat could taste as sweet as the happiness she felt from those words.

"That's awesome!"

"If we'd parted ways, I don't know when we'd meet again. I'm so glad we can travel together!"

"I'm going to tell Himeko and the others right now!"

March 7th's lips parted as she hurriedly got to her feet.

But before she could, Himeko's gentle voice rang out.

"No need, March 7th."

"We're already here."

"When you didn't come back for so long, we thought maybe little Yevenko had swept you away."

Himeko stepped through the shimmering golden doorway, and behind her came Stelle, Dan Heng, Welt—and even Pom-Pom.

Seeing so many guests, Tom immediately carried over a stack of chairs and even more food, Jenga-style.

Then he stared right at Pom-Pom, noting that the rabbit's top hat almost made him taller than Tom himself. Not to be outdone, Tom rummaged frantically behind his back and pulled out a chef's hat to perch on his own head, flashing a roguish grin.

He then showed off his knife skills—slicing ham into perfect, even pieces, dropping a slice onto every plate with practiced ease.

"With two new Nameless on board, this really calls for a celebration."

Watching the scene turn into a banquet, Welt's deep, resonant voice sounded softly. A poetic phrase—let's drink osmanthus wine together until the cup is full—almost escaped his lips, but he swallowed it at the last second.

Everyone enjoyed the festive moment, but a Trailblaze journey is always full of tasks. Before long, it was time to set out again.

The Astral Express slowly pulled away, scenes from the space station receding out the windows.

In the viewing car, March 7th still had a bit of cake cream at the corner of her lips. She waved happily at Herta, Asta, and Arlan, who'd come to see them off.

Her slender hand fluttered like butterfly wings, almost leaving afterimages as she waved.

That was March 7th's lively personality—though in her heart, she was reluctant to part from the station.

But reluctance faded as quickly as it came.

When the two Astral Expresses took off together, streaking into the cosmos, March 7th raised both hands overhead and grinned from ear to ear.

"A new Trailblaze! Here we come!"

And Yevenko, of course, was aboard this train as well.

He had to admit, once the trains were linked, it was amazing—they could move freely between them so long as they stayed close.

Meanwhile, Pom-Pom waddled into the center of the group, though its appearance drew more than a few smiles.

Because perched on Pom-Pom's head was Tom, and on Tom's head was Pom-Pom's hat.

Clearly, in a short time, the cat and the rabbit had become fast friends.

Pom-Pom spoke up:

"As we have new members, allow me to remind everyone once more."

"The train has now left the space station's safety perimeter. We are about to initiate a jump. Please be seated and brace for turbulence."

While Pom-Pom gave the announcement, March 7th hopped past like a sparrow, paying no heed to the warning.

She stopped in front of Yevenko, her face suddenly serious.

"Yevenko, and Stelle—come join me for a challenge."

"Anyone who calls themselves a real hero has to try not to fall during a jump!"

Yevenko's expression grew equally solemn as he answered,

"All right!"

And then he sat right down on the sofa.

March 7th: "…"

Stelle glanced left and right, then sat next to Yevenko. Compared to March 7th's challenge, she thought it wiser to listen to Pom-Pom—especially since this warning was meant for new members.

Seeing this, March 7th pouted, her lips pursing slightly.

"Fine! Even if I'm the only one, I'll take the challenge. This time I'm going to win!"

She declared this with great enthusiasm, then took a stance like a martial artist, feet planted firmly.

Just then, Himeko strolled over. She smoothed her skirt, adjusted the fabric over her curving hips to keep it from wrinkling, and sat down beside Yevenko, her elegant thighs crossing gracefully. With a gentle smile, she said,

"This jump is a little tight on schedule."

"Our destination is Jarilo-VI. The last time the Express went there was several millennia ago. According to the records, it was a lush, beautiful, highly advanced planet."

"Barring any surprises, the environment shouldn't have changed much."

"It's also perfect for Stelle's first Trailblaze journey."

At her words, Stelle nodded quietly.

Only Yevenko's mouth twitched. According to Himeko, Jarilo-VI was a paradise for beginners—but he knew it was anything but. It was hell difficulty.

But, no big deal.

Since Stelle had cleared the tutorial and got her "starter stick," it was time to go fight the Demon King!

As for himself, well, he'd just have to rely on the invincible Tom for a miracle.

Not long after, Pom-Pom's voice rang throughout the car.

"Jump is about to begin. Everyone, please get ready."

In that instant, both Astral Expresses began to tremble.

"Three… two…"

"One!"

With the final count, both trains were enveloped in a pale blue light, and with a flash, vanished from the depths of space.

Aboard the Express, everyone stood and crowded toward the viewing car's window, their faces full of astonishment.

---

Outside, a planet completely encased in ice and snow filled their view.

Meanwhile, not far off, in a ship passing nearby, a silver-haired girl spotted the new flight path—and the planet that had just appeared. The name felt strangely familiar.

"Jarilo-VI?"

"Patch me through to the board."