Chapter 25: Game Completed? The Journey Has Only Just Begun!
In Little Gui Zi's live stream:
"Hey folks, let's put our exploration of the Simulated Universe on hold for now."
"While the rewards are generous, these battles are quite challenging. It's better to wait until our characters' levels and gear improve before tackling them again."
"What Little Gui Zi is most curious about right now is—"
"Now that the crisis at the space station has ended and our protagonist has boarded the train, does this mean the game is essentially completed?"
The night had grown deep.
Yet Guinaifen was fully immersed in this game, unable to tear herself away!
Within the live stream,
over 20,000 viewers were following along with her, eagerly watching the unfolding narrative of the game!
"3 A.M. with 20,000 viewers? Little Gui, you're becoming a top-tier streamer now!"
"I'm here to follow the Trailblazer's journey."
"Tonight, I must see Stelle board the train before I can even think of sleeping!"
"Preparing for the final completion and commemoration."
Many viewers shared Guinaifen's thoughts.
The game was developed based on the backdrop of the legion invasion disaster that occurred before the space station era.
After defeating the Doomsday Beast, the protagonist also received an invitation to board the Astral Express.
What followed were events currently unfolding in reality.
There likely wouldn't be any new content beyond this point.
All that remained were some side quests within the space station and assisting Herta with testing the Simulated Universe.
Inside the vast space station,
a somber yet melodic background music echoed softly.
Not just Little Gui, even the viewers in the live stream felt fully immersed as if they were there themselves.
The sensation of facing an uncertain future—both bewildered and anticipatory—overwhelmed her instantly.
"Even when retracing known paths, there are always new discoveries to be made. That's the essence of Trailblazing."
In response to the Trailblazer's question, Himeko shared openly, speaking with the patience and gentleness of a caring teacher:
"In the past, we've docked at several worlds, and in the future, we will continue to do so—the galaxy holds countless destinations yet unexplored.
"The vast expanse of stars is not just my dream but also the train's aspiration. I yearn to explore new worlds, while the train longs to reclaim its former routes."
After concluding her conversation with Himeko,
Guinaifen chose "I want to board the train."
Instantly, background music began playing!
["The way"]
["To celebrate"]
["I'll be waiting"]
["Till we make it..."]
Guinaifen, usually lively, fell silent, immersed in this indescribable atmosphere. It felt as though her very soul embarked on the journey alongside the train, bidding farewell to everything at the space station, venturing into the boundless cosmos under Asta and Arlan's watchful gaze.
["Oh~"]
["We will see"]
["Come with me, take the journey"]
"The background music is absolutely divine!"
"Holy shit, I'm downloading Starglobe right now!"
"I'm crying! I wish I could be The Nameless!"
"If not for life's responsibilities, who wouldn't want to be a free-spirited traveler?"
"My dreams can only live on through this game."
Even Guinaifen's eyes grew slightly teary.
Of course, it wasn't due to sleepiness!
Instead, she was reminiscing about her childhood spent wandering from place to place.
Dependent on others, uncertain of even basic needs.
Thankfully, upon arriving at Xianzhou, things gradually began to improve.
While not yet famous or wealthy, she could say she had achieved some modest success.
Guinaifen, usually lively and enthusiastic, suddenly felt a wave of melancholy and introspection wash over her.
All blame lay with that evocative background music!
It instantly brought back memories from her past.
Suddenly, the gloom vanished from Guinaifen's face, replaced by surprise and delight!
"Thanks to [Cat Whisperer 8190] for gifting the Listening Storm! Generous boss!"
"[Quick, check out this new thing on the train]... No problem, boss, I'll investigate right away!"
On the train, a pair of large, crystal-clear eyes gazed intently at the Trailblazer.
"Hey! Hey, you!" someone called out.
Wearing a tall red hat, with two long ears drooping down on either side, the figure stood out.
Guinaifen hastily explained, "Boss, this isn't just any creature!"
"It's a mystical being that appears during each jump."
"The chances of getting gold or purple items greatly depend on it!"
"Little Gui Zi suspects that this little fellow is unique to the train."
As expected, the subsequent introduction confirmed Guinaifen's guess.
"I am Pom-Pom, the conductor here. If you encounter any issues onboard, feel free to approach me."
"It's actually the conductor? No wonder it stands guard at the door during jumps."
"What a fierce mascot!"
"I had no idea the Astral Express was this massive and luxurious!"
"Well then, we've officially boarded the train!"
Curious, Guinaifen embarked on a tour of the train.
Apart from the outer Parlor Car, there were passenger cabins inside as well. However, currently only Dan Heng's room, which served as the information archive, and March 7th's cabin were accessible.
Dan Heng's space featured a simple makeshift bedroll on the floor.
In contrast, March 7th's cabin felt much more cozy with its photo wall, sofa, computer desk, plush toys, soft bed... all the comforts one could wish for.
Their styles formed a striking contrast!
Guinaifen meticulously explored March 7th's room, not missing any detail, exclaiming she could easily live here for a year!
Suddenly, the conductor's voice echoed through the train.
"Testing—testing—"
"Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention. All passengers, please pay attention."
"The train is about to initiate a jump. Kindly gather promptly at the main hall."
Guinaifen was taken aback. A few seconds later, her face lit up with ecstatic joy!
"People, did you hear that?!
"This game isn't over yet! We're going to participate in another jump!"
"We might even reach the next destination!"
"Forget 'completing' the game—it feels like we've just begun our journey!"