Volume 1 Chapter 1: Astral Express

"Seriously, if one day you crossed over into a game and became a playable character, what would you do?"

In his bedroom, a tall man sat at his desk, writing this sentence in his notebook.

But as he wrote, he put down his pen and walked to the bedroom window, looking out at the view.

There were no blooming flowers, tall buildings, only the deep, serene expanse of the cosmic starry sky outside the window, filled with scattered stars emitting light of varying brightness, accompanying the train's journey.

Knock, knock, knock

"Wende! Come have afternoon tea!"

"Okay, coming."

A spirited voice came from the bedroom door, and the man referred to as "Wende" turned to the girl outside the door.

Turning back, he took another look at the starry sky outside, smiled wryly, opened the bedroom door, and walked towards the train's observation car.

The story begins on April 26, 2023, in Earth's calendar.

On this day, MiHoYo's new game, "Honkai: Star Rail," officially launched its open beta. As a fan of MiHoYo games and a turn-based game enthusiast, Wende naturally wouldn't miss a game so perfectly suited to his tastes.

In fact, he had been waiting for this game for a long time, following it from its initial announcement through its first and second closed betas. As for why he was just following, It was because his unlucky self couldn't get a beta-test qualification and could only watch others play.

But today, he finally made it to the release day! He could finally experience the game's story himself!

At 8 a.m., just after getting up and washing, Wende was attracted by his phone vibrating wildly.

= / =

QQ Group: Astral Express Africa Division

(Group Owner) Hardcore March 7th Fan: Damn! Brothers! The game launched early! Get your UIDs now!

(Admin) Evil Shall Bury Me: Are you trying to trick us again?!

(Group Owner) Hardcore March 7th Fan: Why would I lie?! "Login Screen Screenshot.jpg"

(Admin) Evil Shall Bury Me: Damn!

Kafka Is My Forever Wife: Damn!

Himeko Is Dead!: Damn!

(Group Owner) Hardcore March 7th Fan: @Himeko Is Dead! Change that name now! "You Brat.jpg"

= / =

Originally still groggy from waking up early, Wende's eyes widened after seeing the chat in the QQ group. Without even wiping the toothpaste from the corner of his mouth, he quickly ran back to his bedroom, sat in front of his computer, and swiftly opened the game with the icon of an energetic pink-haired girl.

"Honkai Impact 3rd! Oh, no—Honkai: Star Rail! Launch!"

Buzz—

The moment he clicked to start the game, Wende felt a blackout and lost consciousness.

...

"Himeko! Come try the latest mango pudding Pom-Pom has made!"

A pink-haired, blue-eyed girl handed a piece of yellow pudding to the elegant woman sitting by the sofa. The elegant lady, dressed in a white long dress and a black cloak, brushed a strand of fiery red hair behind her ear and smiled as she accepted the pudding.

"It seems our lovely conductor's skills have improved recently."

The red-haired woman elegantly tasted the rich mango-scented pudding and complimented the "conductor," who was carrying several drinks nearby.

"Of course! Himeko has great taste!"

The fluffy, cute conductor placed the tray with drinks on the coffee table next to the sofa and put her round little hands on her hips, looking very proud.

"What new treat has our conductor come up with this time?"

A middle-aged man wearing glasses and a handsome young man entered the observation car.

"Uncle Yang! Come try Pom-Pom's new drink! Dan Heng, come on!"

March 7th, holding a small plate of pudding, waved to the two.

"Okay."

Dan Heng nodded and picked up a green drink from the coffee table.

"This is... mint lemonade?"

Savoring the sweet and sour taste and the refreshing sensation, Dan Heng looked a bit surprised at the plain-looking drink in his hand.

"Hehe! How is it? Tastes good, right?"

Seeing Dan Heng's surprise, Pom-Pom nodded in satisfaction.

"This was the idea of that new passenger! Pretty good, right?"

"The new passenger, you mean Wende?"

Himeko recalled the young man they rescued from the attacked fleet on the Astral Express. So, his name was Wende.

"Yes, I just went to call him for afternoon tea!"

March 7th nodded her little head.

"So, he's okay now?"

Himeko's gaze softened, with a hint of concern.

"Thank you all for your concern. I'm fine."

Wende entered the observation car carrying a tray filled with various cute pastries.

Pom-Pom walked toward Wender and lifted the tray, "These just came out of the oven. Please have some!"

Wende smiled at the familiar faces before him.

It's amazing, he thought. He only wanted to snag an early UID, but instead, he ended up in the world of Honkai: Star Rail.

"Wende! Are you really okay?"

March 7th, who had a wild imagination, saw Wende's slightly helpless smile and instantly conjured up many dramatic scenarios in her head.

"Um... really, I'm fine."

Seeing March 7th's sudden concern, Wende felt a bit weary.

Thinking back to his initial arrival in this world on a disintegrating spaceship, Wende felt a chill of fear. If the Astral Express had been a moment later, he would have ended up sent to the otherside

The disaster happened just three days ago, and with the help of the Astral Express, he had been staying here since then.

Seeing Wende's changing expression, everyone on the train assumed he was still affected by the disaster.

"Sorry, Passenger Wende, I shouldn't have dragged you into the kitchen..."

Pom-Pom lowered her head in self-blame.

"Um–really, I'm okay!"

"Really? Don't push yourself too hard! How about going back to sleep for a bit? Maybe you'll feel better after some rest?"

March 7th looked at Wende with her pink and blue eyes, speaking earnestly.

Wende: March, if you keep this up, I'll really end up traumatized!'

"Alright, March, I think our friend Wende here is genuinely fine."

Seeing Wende's increasingly helpless expression, the calm and steady Welt stepped in to help.

"Oh—! really? Don't bottle up your feelings if you're upset!"

Just as March 7th opened her mouth to say more, the scenery outside the train window suddenly changed. From the void of space, a silver light appeared and started approaching the Astral Express.

"Dear passengers! We are about to enter the Herta Space Station!"

Pom-Pom's voice filled the observation hall, but her figure had already vanished.

Meanwhile, Wende's smile froze, and he furrowed his brow.

[Ding! Honkai: Star Rail has officially begun its open beta! Please prepare to meet the protagonist.

Note: The more players like you, the stronger you will become.]

"Wha—!?"

Standing in the observation hall, Wende couldn't help but curse as he listened to the voice in his head.

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