Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

Well, well, look at you! So dedicated, you've earned a little extra treat! 🎉

---

"...A Stellaron has landed?"

The news hit hard, wiping away any semblance of levity in the room. Even March 7, who was usually relaxed and carefree, wore a serious expression.

Himeko turned to the group, her sharp gaze sweeping over each member.

"Well, you've all heard the choices. Let's proceed with a democratic vote to decide our destination. Shall we?"

"No objections here."

March 7, who had been considering dragging Venti and Stelle into her musings about their options, held back. The potential for disaster stemming from a Stellaron outweighed the allure of personal exploration. Resolute, she nodded and took her seat.

"Very well. Let's start with the first candidate: Penacony, the Family's celebration world. Raise your hand if you wish to visit. If not, abstain."

Himeko's voice was calm, and her eyes scanned the room.

No one raised a hand.

She chuckled softly, a hint of pride evident.

"It seems we have a unanimous preference for adventure over festivity."

"Of course," March 7 quipped. "We're wanderers, not galaxy-wide socialites!"

Her jest earned a faint smile from Welt, who seemed to catch a subtle nuance in her words.

"Well said, little March. Now, the next option: Screwllum's Star."

This time, to everyone's surprise, Stelle raised her hand.

The room turned to her, curious. Even Venti blinked at her unexpected vote.

"Uh… while it's not customary to question someone's choice in a democratic vote, I can't help but wonder—why Screwllum's Star?"

March 7 tilted her head, her tone playful but inquisitive.

"Honestly, I thought you'd be the last person to willingly dive into another Genius Society member's playground. Aren't you worried about running into someone like Herta?"

"Call it intuition," Stelle replied, shrugging. "Screwllum seems more straightforward than Herta. Maybe he could help keep her off our backs."

Her reasoning earned a round of amused nods, though it was clear she misunderstood the dynamic between Screwllum and Herta.

"Well, your vote is noted," Himeko interjected with a smile. "Anyone else for Screwllum's Star?"

Her gaze lingered briefly on Venti, who merely smirked and shook his head.

"As much as I'd love to meet a cyber-bard, I think the final option deserves our attention more."

Himeko's expression softened in approval, her eyes reflecting a quiet acknowledgment of Venti's thoughtfulness.

"Very well. Let's proceed to the final candidate: Snail-III. Those in favor, raise your hands."

March 7, Venti, and Welt raised their hands, while Dan Heng abstained.

Including Himeko's vote, the decision was clear.

"With four votes to two, Snail-III is our destination."

The room's attention shifted to Stelle and Dan Heng, the dissenters.

Dan Heng remained composed, offering no explanation, while Stelle scratched her head, bemused by the attention.

"What?" she asked, confused.

"Nothing," March 7 replied, a touch sheepishly. "It just feels a bit unfair. Your first vote on the Astral Express, and we didn't go with your choice."

"It's nothing," Welt reassured her gently. "In a situation like this, practicality must take precedence. There's always next time."

Stelle waved off their concerns.

"It's fine. Himeko said the routes don't always conflict. Once we handle the Stellaron, maybe we can visit Screwllum's Star afterward. And if not, I'm not the type to make a fuss over it."

Her pragmatic response earned her a look of approval from Venti.

"Well said! A level-headed woman, through and through!"

"I'm just not selfish enough to demand we go where I want," Stelle replied, shaking her head. "Besides, without you suppressing the Stellaron in me, things could've gone much worse back at the space station, right?"

Himeko nodded, her voice steady.

"That's correct. If the Stellaron had fully activated, the resulting rift energy would've decimated at least half of the station's personnel. The ensuing dimensional collapse and monster influx could've destroyed the planet as well."

The weight of her words settled heavily over the group.

"...Stellarons really are dangerous."

Stelle's gaze dropped briefly as she came to grips with the explosive potential residing within her. For a moment, she even sympathized with Herta's relentless curiosity.

"Arguably the most dangerous force in the universe," Dan Heng added solemnly.

"And if the anonymous report is accurate, we must act quickly. A mature Stellaron crisis is exponentially harder to contain than one in its nascent stage."

"Exactly," Himeko affirmed. "Pom-Pom will initiate the jump to Snail-III shortly. In the meantime, let's finalize the team for this expedition."

Her gaze fell on Welt, who sighed good-naturedly.

"Let me guess. I'll be staying aboard with Pom-Pom again?"

"You've got it," Himeko replied with a smirk. "Don't worry, we'll keep you updated."

"Understood," Welt said with a nod, though his slightly slumped shoulders betrayed his disappointment.

Himeko then addressed the others.

"The field team will be March 7, Dan Heng, Venti, and Stelle. Take care of each other out there. The rest of us will monitor from the Express."

"Roger that!" March 7 cheered, already brimming with enthusiasm.

"Alright then—destination: Snail-III. Let's go!"

---

From the observation car, the team could see Snail-III.

Most of the planet was awash in an ominous purple glow. Its oceans churned with corruption, and vast swaths of land were stained with inky red and black hues. Only a small patch of green remained, a sanctuary of life amidst chaos.

"...Not exactly surprising, but it's grim," Himeko remarked, her brow furrowed.

"It's clear this won't be an easy mission," Welt added.

Pom-Pom's voice came over the intercom, confirming their suspicions.

"Spatial readings are unstable! Astral tracks have deteriorated to 35% stability! Stopover duration extended from 7 days to 30 days!"

As expected.

When a planet is affected by a Stellaron, its surrounding Imaginary Domain also undergoes disturbances, often blocking the path forward.

This phenomenon was something everyone had grown accustomed to. However, this time, since the Stellaron had only recently descended and preparations had been made in advance, there was no fear that the delay would stretch indefinitely.

"Well then, everyone. Since we've arrived at our destination, the objective is clear: locate the Stellaron that has brought calamity and spatial distortions to this world, bring it back to the Express, or—if a better solution presents itself—resolve it on-site."

The latter option, naturally, was aimed at Venti.

After Himeko's announcement, everyone went their separate ways. Dan Heng began collecting ecological data about the planet, while March 7th, ever idle, dragged Stelle along to chat about some basic tips for Trailblazing expeditions.

Himeko, on the other hand, sought out Venti.

"Venti, Mr. Yang and I won't be joining the expedition this time. Make sure to take good care of Stelle and little March, alright?"

"Heh, when it comes to Trailblazing experience, March 7th and Dan Heng might just end up being my and Stelle's teachers!"

Venti wasn't so arrogant as to think that brute strength alone could define a Trailblazing expedition.

Strength was just one necessary tool, not something to be blindly relied upon.

"Mm. If there's anything you're not good at, leave it to little March. While she can be clumsy, she generally doesn't make things worse."

With the demeanor of someone watching over a cherished child, Himeko shared a few amusing stories of March 7th's past blunders with Venti.

When they had nearly finished their preparations, Mr. Yang reminded the two that it was time to set out.

Of course, before initiating the warp, there was a mandatory briefing from Professor Dan Heng.

"Regarding Snail III. Although the Express's records are thousands of years old, we can confirm that the planet's climate is generally warm and humid, making it habitable and resource-rich. It also hosts various fantastical species, including humans, forestfolk, miners, planters, lizardfolk, goblins, trolls, and demons."

At this point, Dan Heng emphasized,

"As is common in such fantastical settings, there are, of course, powerful entities—gods, or rather, evil gods—operating behind the scenes. When these beings realized that fighting amongst themselves wouldn't grant them dominion over the world, they began using dice rolls to decide the fate of the planet's inhabitants for their amusement."

"Ugh, that's so twisted..."

March 7th shuddered at the thought of having one's fate decided by the gods' dice rolls. Whether success or failure, it was all left to their capricious whims.

"Because of this, until the gods' influence is broken, this planet will remain unable to take its first step toward exploring the stars. To this day, it retains a primitive feudal system."

Dan Heng refrained from voicing his opinion on the gods' methods and continued his explanation.

"Additionally, the planet experiences recurring 'demonic phenomena' tied to its existence. Each manifestation of these demonic events triggers waves of rampaging magical creatures. The inhabitants have adapted to a cycle of accepting commissions, defeating monsters, and earning rewards, resulting in a single-track economy. Their civilization remains underdeveloped."

"In that case, shouldn't we disguise ourselves? Otherwise, with how we're dressed, won't we be mistaken for heretics or something?" Stelle asked, raising a valid concern.

Venti's bard-like attire was passable for the setting, and March 7th's outfit could barely slide by. However, Dan Heng and Stelle's modern-style clothing was far too conspicuous.

It wouldn't be surprising if they were mistaken for spies from the demon race and attacked on sight.

While the crew was certainly capable, there was no need to provoke unnecessary hostility the moment they landed.

Moreover, drawing the gods' attention prematurely could lead to complications. Though the gods couldn't directly manipulate the Trailblazers through dice rolls, the planet's inhabitants weren't immune to such interference. If the gods resorted to constant critical successes to thwart the Express's mission, it would be a headache.

Fortunately, these so-called gods likely didn't wish for the world's destruction. If the Stellaron could be retrieved before it fully corrupted them, there might even be a chance to leverage their assistance.

"Luckily, we've visited similar otherworldly planets before. The Express has appropriate clothing we can change into," Dan Heng said.

Following Stelle's suggestion, the group changed into more fitting attire and officially embarked on their mission.

---

"Damn it, booze-nose! Didn't you say this ruin had been abandoned for ages? Why are there so many monsters here!?"

A sharp-eared, strikingly beautiful elf sprinted ahead, berating the dwarf in their party.

"How would I know? These creatures must've crawled out of nowhere overnight!"

The short, stocky dwarf with a bulbous red nose retorted loudly, hurling a black flask behind him. The elf followed up with a precise flaming arrow.

As soon as the flask hit the ground, it spilled a thick, acrid oil, igniting instantly and engulfing the black canine-like monsters chasing them.

"Awoooo—!"

"Hah! Stupid mutts! Try taking a few more steps after Auntie here!" the elf taunted, while the dwarf let out a booming laugh.

"Hey—! Don't celebrate too soon! Those are just the vanguard. If we don't deal with that big guy in the back, we're still doomed!"

A tall lizardfolk priest carrying a petite human cleric in one arm shouted his warning.

His beastly instincts were still on edge. That creature they'd glimpsed earlier—the one that had sapped everyone's will to fight—wouldn't be stopped by a mere barricade.

"E-Everyone!" the trembling cleric cried out. "The miracle of [Divine Wall] has faded! That monster is definitely heading this way!"

"—!"

The group's expressions turned grim. As if summoned by her words, an unnatural roar echoed from deep within the ruins.

With the sound of collapsing stone, something sticky and writhing snuffed out the flames behind them. Torches meant to illuminate the path were consumed, leaving an oppressive darkness at their heels.

A suffocating sense of impending death crawled up everyone's spines. Stopping was not an option.

"Hey! Cleric! Use the miracle of [Haste] or we're all going to end up as monster poop!"

The dwarf shouted desperately. At his words, a golden light enveloped the group, quickening their pace.

Just before the ruin's entrance collapsed entirely, the party managed to escape, tumbling out as a cloud of dust engulfed the area. They lay sprawled on the ground, panting heavily.

"Whew! Almost didn't make it!" The elf clutched her chest, her heart racing, while the lizardfolk priest glanced at the unconscious cleric in his arms.

"Thanks to the Earth Mother's grace, we survived. We must offer her our thanks," he murmured solemnly.

"Oh, give it a rest, you big oaf," the dwarf scoffed, spitting on the ground. "If your kin heard you worshipping gods like this, they'd probably skin you alive and make boots out of you."

He wiped the sweat and grime from his face, turning back toward the collapsed entrance. His expression darkened.

"Damn it... What kind of day is—"

Before he could finish, a violent commotion erupted from the sealed entrance. A massive green hand shot through the debris, grabbing the dwarf's head and crushing it with a sickening crunch.

Red and white oozed through the creature's fingers as a guttural voice rumbled.

"…Hah, got a bit carried away. Didn't mean to crush his skull like that."

A grotesque troll emerged, its twisted face sneering. It turned its gaze toward the remaining party members, a cruel grin spreading across its ugly features.

"But this works too. I prefer the taste of tender little girls over dwarven stew anyway."

Relishing their despair, the troll cracked its neck, hefting a stone pillar larger than a person onto its shoulder. Its bloodthirsty eyes glinted ominously.

"Before that disgusting heap of flesh catches up, I'll have myself a bite."

---

T/N: Is...Is this an ORIGINAL WORLD? (future me: nope :3c)

This bonus chapter is like an encore after a rousing performance—totally worth staying for, wouldn't you say? Oh, and don't worry, my lyre's got plenty more tunes to play next time!

But for now, it's time to take a bow. Thank you for the applause (and all that wonderful support). If you're feeling extra inspired, you know where to find me—[patreon.com/WiseTL]. Toss a coin, and who knows? Maybe the next bard will sing your praises!

Now, go forth, Traveler, and revel in the wonders of this world. Until next time! 🍃✨