Honkai Star Rail: Survive. Adapt. Overcome.

The icy wind of Jarilo-VI howled as three figures cautiously advanced through the snowy landscape.

Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th had been walking for a while, occasionally facing the hostile creatures that appeared along the way.

March 7th kicked at the snow in frustration.

"Ugh… It's not that I mind walking in the snow, but why did we end up on a frozen planet this time?"

Dan Heng, who was checking his terminal, responded without taking his eyes off the data.

"Jarilo-VI is trapped in an ice age. You knew that before coming."

"I know! But that doesn't make it any less annoying. Cute girls shouldn't have to suffer in a climate like this!"

Stelle, as usual, remained silent, watching the surroundings cautiously… Or curiously—it was hard to tell since her expression barely changed.

However, as they moved forward, a strange noise coming from a nearby pile of snow caught her attention.

"What was that?"

She murmured, turning her head toward the source of the sound.

Dan Heng and March 7th noticed it as well.

"There's something inside," Dan Heng said.

March 7th stepped closer and began stomping on the snow.

"Hey! If someone's in there, come out already!"

Dan Heng sighed.

"That's not how you do it."

Without hesitation, he pushed the tip of his spear into the snow.

"Hey, hey, hey! What happened to a simple 'Excuse me, are you alright?!' That was my beautiful rear end, you know?!"

A shrill, indignant voice rang out from the snow before a figure suddenly emerged.

A man with messy blue hair and a slightly high-pitched voice appeared.

"Is this how you treat a defenseless man stranded in the cold? What would your parents say if they saw you treating the poor, unfortunate Sampo Koski like this?!"

Stelle stared at him in silence. Dan Heng showed no emotion.

March 7th crossed her arms.

"Yeah, right… like someone like you just accidentally ended up buried in the snow."

Sampo grinned widely before dramatically declaring,

"Ah, such a perceptive young lady! But there's no need for unnecessary details. Let's just say… I had a small inconvenience with the Belobog Guards and decided to play dead."

"Very convincing," Dan Heng murmured, giving him a flat look.

"But let's put that aside! You guys don't seem like you're from around here. May I ask what brings you to these frozen lands?"

March 7th glanced at Stelle, who nodded slightly before answering.

"We're looking for the Stellaron that's causing all these problems."

Sampo narrowed his eyes for a moment before smiling again.

"Interesting! I might be able to help you get to Belobog. Of course, for the right price."

Dan Heng stared at him and silently raised his spear.

Sampo raised his hands in surrender.

"But since you're newbies, and probably in the same profession as me, I could give you a free tour of Belobog!"

"And why would you do that?"

Sampo made a theatrical gesture.

"Because I am a generous soul who helps outsiders in need!"

"I don't believe you," Dan Heng and March 7th said at the same time.

"Such coldness!"

Sampo placed a hand over his chest.

"But don't worry, I'll get you there safe and sound."

Trusting him wasn't the best idea, but they didn't have many other options.

With no other choice, they followed Sampo toward the city entrance.

...

On the way, they encountered a group of guards.

The Belobog soldiers, armed with spears and energy rifles, blocked their path.

"Halt! Identify yourselves!"

Dan Heng and Stelle immediately got ready for battle.

But before anyone could respond—

"Oh no! Would you look at the time? I must be going!"

Sampo vanished instantly, abandoning them to their fate.

March 7th's mouth fell open in disbelief.

"Are you serious?!"

"We should've expected this," Dan Heng sighed.

The guards didn't wait for an explanation and launched their attack.

Stelle was the first to react, dashing forward with her metal bat, striking one of the soldiers hard and knocking him to the ground.

Dan Heng spun his spear, blocking an energy shot before counterattacking with precision.

March 7th fired ice arrows, freezing one of the guards' feet before delivering a swift kick.

Despite the soldiers' numerical advantage, the three outsiders proved to be formidable fighters.

The battle continued until an authoritative voice rang out.

"Stand down!"

A new group of soldiers appeared, led by a man clad in imposing armor.

His blonde hair was tousled by the wind, but his firm stance made it clear he wasn't someone to take lightly.

Gepard Landau, Captain of the Belobog Guards.

"You're accomplices of that criminal! Surrender immediately or face the consequences!"

The snow crunched beneath Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th as they took their battle stances.

In front of them, Gepard held his massive shield firmly.

His icy blue gaze didn't show unnecessary hostility, but it did radiate unwavering resolve.

"You've proven yourselves to be capable fighters," he said in a steady voice.

"But I cannot allow criminals' allies to roam the city unchecked."

March 7th puffed her cheeks in frustration.

"We're telling you the truth! We're not criminals! Didn't you see how he ditched us the first chance he got?!"

Dan Heng, however, remained on guard.

"He's not going to listen. There's only one way out of this."

Stelle, who had remained silent up until now, slowly stepped forward, gripping her bat firmly.

Gepard stared at her.

"I can see that you don't wish to fight without reason. But as captain, it is my duty to ensure Belobog's safety."

He struck the ground with his shield.

"If you truly wish to prove your innocence… then you'll have to do so with your own strength!"

---

Without further warning, he took the first step.

Gepard advanced with his shield raised, effortlessly blocking Stelle's first attack.

March 7th fired a flurry of ice projectiles, but the captain withstood them with ease.

Dan Heng used his speed to try and flank him, but Gepard reacted with precision, deflecting his spear with a twist of his shield.

His defense was nearly perfect. Every strike they attempted was absorbed by his imposing armor.

Stelle saw an opening.

With an agile movement, she slid to the side and delivered a direct strike to Gepard's flank.

The impact rang out with force, but the captain barely flinched.

"Hmph. Not bad."

Gepard didn't let the pressure overwhelm him.

With a swift step forward, he swung his shield in a powerful strike.

The impact was brutal.

Stelle barely managed to block it with her bat, but she was sent flying several meters back.

March 7th clicked her tongue.

"That shield is a problem!"

Dan Heng nodded without taking his eyes off the target. Gepard just watched them, as if he didn't believe any of them could break his defense.

"If we can't break his defense, then… we have to destabilize him."

Stelle, after recovering from the blow, stood up with a slightly annoyed expression.

"Fine. Let's try it."

Dan Heng attacked from a low angle, forcing Gepard to lower his shield to block.

March 7th took advantage of the opening and shot an ice projectile at his legs.

The impact froze part of the ground, limiting the captain's mobility.

Seeing the opportunity, Stelle charged with all her strength, aiming to land a spinning attack on Gepard's side.

For the first time in the battle, the captain staggered.

Gepard stopped for a second.

Then, he raised his shield and slammed it against the ground with a loud crash, releasing a shockwave that forced them to step back.

He took a deep breath and watched them seriously.

"Enough."

Dan Heng frowned.

"Do you believe us now? Have you had enough of this show?"

Gepard slightly lowered his guard.

"I'm not going to say I completely trust you…"

Then, he looked at Stelle with interest.

"…But I recognize your strength and determination."

Finally, he let out a sigh.

"I'll give you a chance. Prove to me that you weren't working with the criminal."

---

Stelle lowered her bat, breathing heavily. March 7th rubbed her arms, feeling the cold even more after all that effort. Dan Heng simply wiped his spear, showing no visible signs of exhaustion.

The battle against Gepard had been fierce.

Unlike common guards, his resilience and defensive power were clearly superior.

Stelle quickly thought of a way out of this situation.

Then, she looked at March 7th and pointed at her camera.

"Show the photos."

March 7th blinked.

"Huh?"

"If we show him pictures of our arrival, he'll see that we aren't Sampo's lackeys."

Dan Heng nodded.

"It's visual proof that we're newcomers, and therefore, there's no way we could be accomplices to any criminal."

Still confused, March 7th took out her camera and showed the photos to Gepard.

The captain examined them carefully.

After a long silence, he sighed.

"I still have my doubts… but for now, I will escort you to the Overworld."

The three exchanged glances before nodding.

Without further resistance, they followed Gepard toward the city of Belobog.

************

— Qliphoth Fort, Overworld of Belobog

The group walked through the streets of the Overworld, escorted by Gepard and his soldiers.

Unlike the frozen wasteland outside, Belobog was an oasis of civilization in the midst of the snow.

The towering buildings, built with robust architecture, were covered by a thin layer of frost, yet they still gave off a sense of stability and order.

However, they didn't fail to notice the wary gazes of many people watching them.

Dan Heng observed their surroundings with a critical eye.

Without further delay, Gepard led them to Qliphoth Fort, where the city's leader resided.

The enormous gates of the fortress slowly opened.

There, at the center of the grand hall, stood Cocolia.

With her elegant bearing and cold expression, the Supreme Guardian of Belobog radiated authority.

Beside her, Bronya, her adopted daughter and heir, watched them with suspicion.

However, just before anyone could speak, Bronya frowned, clearly displeased.

She looked at her mother for a moment before turning away. Her posture was rigid, and her furrowed brow showed clear disagreement… but she said nothing. She simply left in silence.

Cocolia remained unfazed.

With a sharp smile, she shifted her attention to the newcomers.

"So, you're the outsiders."

Her voice was soft, but it carried a tone that immediately put them on alert... or at least Dan Heng.

March 7th, being the most outgoing of the group, stepped forward.

"Hello! Yes, we're the travelers who arrived recently."

Cocolia observed her in silence for a few seconds before responding.

"And what brings you to Belobog?"

March 7th briefly explained their mission.

She told her about the Astral Express, their search for the Stellaron, and how they believed it was the cause of the planet's eternal snowfall.

As she spoke, Cocolia listened attentively, not interrupting.

But when she finished, the leader of Belobog gave a slight smile.

"The Stellaron… is that what you believe is causing our problems?"

Dan Heng didn't take his eyes off her.

"It's a fact. In other worlds we've been to, Stellarons have brought disaster."

March 7th nodded enthusiastically.

"We want to help! If we can find it, maybe we can do something about it."

Cocolia tilted her head slightly.

"Such a noble intention… but I'd like to know—what's in it for you? What do you gain from this? I don't believe anyone is capable of doing something like this for free, just for the sake of the greater good."

Dan Heng nodded.

"And exactly how do you plan to seal the Stellaron? What guarantee do I have that you won't make things worse?"

"We actually benefit simply because removing the Stellaron's interference would allow us to travel more efficiently and safely. We have the means to seal it and stop its influence on this world, so there shouldn't be any problem leaving it to us."

Stelle felt a chill.

Not from the temperature… but from the way Cocolia was looking at them.

As if she were evaluating them.

Finally, the Supreme Guardian gave a small smile and nodded.

"If that is your intention, then you may stay in the city."

Dan Heng didn't miss the "for now" implied in Cocolia's gaze.

Dan Heng frowned.

"For now."

Cocolia gestured with her hand.

"Gepard will escort you to a place where you can rest."

With nothing more to say, the group was led out of the fortress.

But as they walked away, Stelle glanced over her shoulder and saw Cocolia slowly turning toward a dark corner of the hall.

The leader of Belobog whispered something in a low voice…

But she spoke so softly that Stelle couldn't make out the words.

******************

Once outside the fortress, Gepard recommended a few places they could visit.

One of the first was the Neverwinter Workshop.

Though it was clear he was keeping an eye on them, he didn't stop them from moving freely.

The group took the opportunity to explore the city.

**************

As they walked through the city, Dan Heng noticed something in the distance.

A massive wall of metal and stone separated the Upper City from a vast, dark pit beyond.

March 7th frowned.

"That's not just a wall… it's like they're sealing something down there."

Stelle observed in silence.

The structure looked impenetrable, as if they had done everything possible to ensure that nothing could get in or out.

Dan Heng crossed his arms, recalling his encounter with Gepard's sister, Serval.

"If Belobog is the last city of humanity in this world, why seal off a part of it?"

...

As they walked, they overheard murmurs from the citizens.

"They say the Belobog Guards caught a criminal from the Underworld… Who is it this time?"

"I don't know, but I don't want any trouble. If the Supreme Guardian says someone is a traitor, then they're a traitor."

"Security in the city has been tighter lately… It gives me a bad feeling."

In one of the side streets, a kind-looking woman called out to them.

"Outsiders? You don't look like locals."

March 7th approached curiously.

"And how did you recognize us?"

"Because no one in the Upper City wears such light clothing. If it weren't for the Supreme Guardian's protection, Belobog would be uninhabitable."

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow.

"Has it always been like this?"

Camilia sighed.

"No… When I was a child, there was more communication with the people from the Underworld. But now…"

Her voice lowered.

"No one in the Upper City wants to talk about them."

......

After a long day of exploring and with more questions than answers, Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th finally arrived at the hotel where Gepard had assigned them rooms.

The receptionist, an elderly man with graying hair and a neutral expression, handed them the keys without asking many questions.

"You have the Guards' permission, so you can stay… just don't cause any trouble."

Dan Heng nodded and took his key.

"I can't speak for March 7th, but at least the rest of us don't plan to."

"And what's that supposed to mean?! I don't cause trouble!"

....

Upon reaching their rooms, March 7th flopped onto a bed with a long sigh.

"Finally! I'm exhausted."

Dan Heng, on the other hand, took out his terminal and began reviewing the information they had gathered during the day.

"Hey, Dan Heng, do you ever relax?"

"I prefer to analyze what we've learned before we forget it."

"Ugh… typical."

Dan Heng crossed his arms.

"I don't like this. Everything seems… too controlled."

March 7th rolled over on the bed to look at him.

"Are you talking about how people act like the Underworld doesn't exist?"

Dan Heng nodded.

"And the way Cocolia welcomed us. She was too accommodating in letting us stay, but I couldn't help noticing something strange about her."

March 7th sighed.

"Yeah, well… who would trust a group of strangers claiming to solve all their problems?"

Dan Heng remained silent for a moment before closing his terminal.

"Get some rest while you can. I don't think things will stay quiet for long."

March 7th left Dan Heng's room along with Stelle. Once she entered her own room, she closed her eyes, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen.

"Stupid Dan Heng, saying things like that just to make me paranoid."

....

Meanwhile, in Stelle's Room…

Lying in bed, Stelle silently stared at the ceiling.

She had been feeling something strange since they arrived.

Something… in her chest.

She placed a hand over the spot where her Stellaron was sealed.

The heartbeat was faint, but it was there.

As if something inside her was reacting to the presence of Belobog's Stellaron.

Stelle frowned.

"Why do I feel this? It's not the first time I've noticed something weird in my body, but this is different."

"It's almost like something… is calling me."

No matter how much she tried to find an answer, nothing was clear.

***************

Qliphoth Fort

Cocolia was alone in the darkness of her office.

The only light in the room came from a faint sphere of energy floating around her.

"They must not interfere."

Her voice was soft… but it carried an icy tone.

"The great will of the Stellaron… cannot be challenged."

***********

The sun was just beginning to peek through the perpetual snow clouds when Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th woke up in the hotel.

But before they could even relax…

A group of soldiers knocked on their door.

"By order of the Supreme Guardian, you are under arrest!"

March 7th jumped up in shock.

"What?! But we didn't do anything!"

Dan Heng already had his spear in hand, his expression firm.

"They found us."

Stelle wasted no time and, with a quick leap, hid inside the closet— the very one she had been eyeing ever since they had gathered in Dan Heng's room.

With a smooth motion, she adjusted herself inside and closed the door.

Things had taken a turn much faster than expected.

Dan Heng sighed, running a hand over his forehead.

"What if we surrender and talk to them?" March 7th suggested.

"You really think Cocolia will give us that chance?"

"You're right. To hell with diplomacy!"

March 7th shattered the window with an ice shot.

Stelle stepped out of the closet and looked down through the broken window.

"Doesn't look that high…"

With no other choice, the three of them jumped down to the street.

Unfortunately, someone was already waiting.

Bronya Rand stood there patiently with a squad of soldiers.

March 7th and Stelle watched as they were slowly surrounded.

"You have no escape. Surrender now, and I assure you your trial will be fair."

Dan Heng glanced at March 7th and Stelle. The pink-haired girl lowered her bow with a sigh, and Stelle, confused, set down her weapon.

"Good. It's nice to see you understand your place."

"Now!"

As soon as the soldiers got close enough, Dan Heng shouted, drawing his spear. Stelle grabbed her bat, striking the nearest soldiers.

"Don't let them escape!"

They ran quickly, soldiers armed with rifles attempting to shoot them—only to be caught off guard as their rifles froze solid.

March 7th giggled and waved at them as they disappeared into an alley.

"Hope you like my parting gift!"

Bronya clenched her teeth and ordered the soldiers to pursue them.

************

After running and fighting off a few monsters along the way, they ended up in a dead-end alley.

Dan Heng looked around, seeing armed soldiers aiming at them from the rooftops, while more soldiers appeared, blocking the only exit.

Soon, one of the soldiers at the front stepped aside, allowing Bronya to walk forward.

"This wouldn't have ended this way if you had chosen to follow us obediently. Now, we have no choice but to drag you by force."

The snow crunched beneath Stelle's feet as she prepared for battle.

In front of her, Bronya kept her rifle raised, her stance firm.

The difference between the common soldiers and the commander was clear.

While the soldiers attacked in formation with discipline, Bronya moved with surgical precision. Every shot, every movement, was calculated down to the last detail to maximize her advantage.

"Surrender now,"

She ordered coldly.

"You have proven to be capable, but this fight has only one possible outcome."

Dan Heng calmly spun his spear.

"We'll see about that."

Bronya fired a barrage of energy projectiles, forcing the group to scatter.

Dan Heng deflected some with his spear, but even he struggled to block the intensity of the attacks.

March 7th created an ice wall for cover, but Bronya didn't give her a chance to recover, leaping over the structure and firing from an elevated angle.

"This girl is dangerous!"

March 7th rolled across the ground to dodge another shot, feeling the burst of energy pass just above her head.

Stelle, on the other hand, chose a direct offensive.

She slid across the snow, closing the distance with Bronya in the blink of an eye.

Raising her bat, she swung down with a brutal strike.

Bronya reacted at the last second, raising her rifle to block the attack.

The impact echoed loudly, pushing her several meters back through the snow.

But instead of losing her balance, Bronya used the momentum to spin on her axis and fire mid-motion.

Stelle barely had time to leap aside before the projectile struck the ground where she had been standing.

Dan Heng seized the distraction to attack from her blind spot.

With a swift motion, he unleashed a flurry of wind-infused slashes aimed at Bronya's legs.

But Bronya wasn't someone easily caught off guard.

She planted her rifle into the ground and used it as a pivot to propel herself upward, avoiding the slashes with a graceful aerial spin.

Mid-air, she aimed her weapon and fired at Dan Heng.

He barely managed to dodge, feeling the heat of the energy graze his shoulder.

"Dammit, does this girl have eyes in the back of her head or what?!"

March 7th took the chance to fire an ice projectile at Bronya's feet.

The commander landed, but the frozen surface made her slide for a split second.

It was a brief opening… but enough.

Stelle charged again, attacking with full force.

Her bat swung down in a devastating arc…

…And for the first time, Bronya couldn't dodge in time.

The commander staggered backward, her expression hardening.

For the first time in the fight, her movements were no longer flawless.

She took a deep breath, steadying her stance.

"I admit… I didn't expect this."

Her gaze sharpened.

"But you haven't won yet."

The air around her shifted.

With a fluid motion, Bronya spun her rifle and gripped it with both hands.

The snow around her began to rise, stirred by a current of energy emanating from her body.

An aura of pressure formed around her.

Dan Heng frowned.

"She's preparing for a stronger attack. We can't give her the chance to recover."

March 7th nodded.

"Then let's finish this quickly!"

The three of them lunged at her…

But before the battle could reach its climax…

A sudden explosion of smoke covered the battlefield.

"Ohohoho! What a dramatic scene! My dearest friends, your knight in shining armor has arrived! And now, cue the entrance of the fabulous and charismatic Sampo Koski!"

A carefree laugh echoed in the air.

Sampo appeared amidst the fog, a wide grin on his face.

Smoke bombs detonated in the middle of the battlefield.

"Ugh! I can't see anything!"

"What the hell…?"

"This is the perfect moment for a grand retreat, don't you think?"

Chaos ensued.

Bronya tried to react, but the sleeping gas had already taken effect.

Her body wobbled before she finally collapsed unconscious.

March 7th barely managed to mumble, "Not this guy again…" before her vision blurred.

Dan Heng whispered, "Damn it… he did it again…" before losing consciousness.

Stelle was the last to fall.

Her vision darkened, and her final thought was…

"Why does everything go black every time this guy shows up?"

Soon, the soldiers followed suit. Sampo simply chuckled before dragging Stelle, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Bronya with him.

*************

The cold in Belobog's Overworld was intense, but the air in the Underworld was stifling in comparison. Not due to heat, but because of the oppressive atmosphere.

…

—Natasha's Clinic

"Welcome to the Underworld, friends! The part of Belobog that the folks up top prefer to forget."

Sampo grinned as he saw them wake up.

"You drugged us and kidnapped us!"

March 7th shouted, glaring at him.

"Not the worst way to get abducted, but definitely not the best either,"

Dan Heng commented impassively.

Looking around, he noticed that Bronya and Stelle were still unconscious.

"Don't worry, there was no chance of anything bad happening to you. After all, this is where the kindest person in the Underworld makes her entrance—our dear Natasha!"

"Sampo… did you get yourself into trouble again?"

"Me? Trouble? Never! How could someone as honest, helpful, and kind as I possibly get into trouble?"

"…Doesn't seem like you trust him much."

Natasha raised an eyebrow at them.

"Would you?"

"Good point."

Natasha examined the group for any injuries.

"People here survive however they can, but without resources from the surface, it's tough. Normally, I wouldn't charge you, but honestly, I'm quite worried."

Natasha sat in a chair after finishing her examination and confirming that nothing was wrong with them.

At some point during all this, Sampo had already slipped away, with Bronya following after him.

"Earlier, I asked a boy to fetch some supplies, but it's been a while, and he still hasn't returned. Could you look for him and make sure he's okay?"

......

Meanwhile, Aleph was finishing his latest challenge in the ruins when a strange sensation coursed through his body.

"What the hell is this feeling…?"

He felt his heart pound as his gaze locked in a certain direction.

[Master, energy similar to what has been causing your changes has been detected in the Underworld.]

Aleph frowned.

"We need to check this out."