Honkai Star Rail: I am Godzilla, domineering and rampant.

If Herta hadn't confirmed it was still her, she would've suspected she'd been possessed by one of the Xianzhou's Heliobi.

"Whatever. I'm taking this."

Herta decisively took the data and follow-up concepts they had discussed earlier about Prototype No. 0.

---------------------------

Astral Express.

"Phew, now I finally understand why Uncle Yang is so concerned about the Godzilla situation , that thing is truly terrifying."

Thinking of the No. 0 split-off individuals she saw at the Alchemy Commission, March 7th shuddered.

Is something like that even allowed to exist in the universe?

"Correction, that wasn't a true Godzilla cell, just a Godzilla-like entity created by Ruan Mei."

"Eww, stop talking! The more you say, the worse I feel. I thought there was at least some military supervision in the interstellar zones."

March 7th hugged her arms tightly and anxiously looked around the Express car.

Then she saw...

Pom-Pom, standing with arms to the side and a serious expression.

"Passenger March 7th, please remain seated. Pom-Pom has just cleaned the entire express; there will be no dirt, Pom."

"Oh, okay."

March 7th obediently sat down , she wouldn't dare cross Pom-Pom at a time like this.

"Stelle was merely tainted by a trace of Godzilla's aura, and it already made Ruan Mei's carefully nurtured creations tremble , that really is..."

Himeko touched her chin with one hand, a thoughtful light in her eyes.

Godzilla... truly a miracle of life.

After the light moment passed and everyone calmed down, Himeko spoke.

"Welt, do you have any leads on Scorching Flare's movements?"

Himeko had been staying on the Express for a while, trying to track Scorching Flare using her own channels.

Unfortunately, Scorching Flare had seemingly vanished. Himeko knew that was because no one could monitor a Lord-Ravager , except another one.

But those kinds of beings usually had their own business to attend to; why would they keep tabs on another one of their own?

"The Antimatter Legion's movements," Welt said after a moment's contemplation.

"I've asked General Jing Yuan , he seems to want to unite the other Xianzhou ships to resist together. As for Scorching Flare's whereabouts, I'm not sure.

But based on my understanding of the Antimatter Legion, they most likely destroy everything visible along their path.

With that principle in mind, it shouldn't be too hard to locate their movements."

Just then, Dan Heng walked over.

"If we want to know the Antimatter Legion's movements, this might help."

"Interstellar Peace Bulletin?"

Seeing the message on the phone screen Dan Heng placed on the table, Himeko and Welt's expressions both turned grim.

The main headline showed Scorching Flare leading the legion and igniting a star in yet another galaxy.

That overwhelming force of annihilation made the two of them fall silent.

"This is a freshly updated report. Thirty-seven systems ago, Scorching Flare destroyed a galaxy along his path , igniting it's star.

It's not uncommon for him. Back during the Amber Era, he used the same method.

The effects are obvious , planets that lose their light either desperately try to migrate or face destruction.

That is, if they survive at all."

As for revenge... only a few dared charge at the Antimatter Legion.

But against Scorching Flare, the true culprit, no one, or rather, no one's fury had lasted long enough to even reach him before being drowned in countless void rangers, extinguished before it could even spark.

"That galaxy... I remember it's under the IPC's jurisdiction. Are they not reacting?"

The heavy topic drew in both March 7th and Stelle.

After reading, Stelle showed a stunned expression.

"Eh? How do you know that? Were you secretly reading behind my back!?"

March 7th looked at Stelle with disbelief.

Weren't we supposed to slack off together? Are you suddenly studying on your own?

"Heh, calm down, little March. When Stelle came back, I happened to be reading a star map. She was interested, so I mentioned it. Ah... if only you'd occasionally show interest in studying too."

Himeko smiled helplessly.

Their banter deliberately broke the tension, lightening the mood considerably.

"That galaxy had been at odds with the IPC lately, apparently over unequal profit distribution.

The IPC's withdrawal was a typical tactic. After all, they've achieved peak performance in life technology. At least, I can't think of anyone more professional."

"Expectedly, when the IPC left, they still deliberately left devices connecting to the outside world , presenting the beauty of civilizations with IPC products in all its glory.

The economy they forcibly lifted and cooperation with neighboring civilizations was being hindered by the IPC in countless obvious and hidden ways. That galaxy was already struggling to hold on."

Welt and Himeko explained the intricate web of politics and tactics back and forth.

"Uh, wait , what are you talking about again? Are you even speaking human language?"March 7th blinked in confusion, like a husky dropped into a den of wolves , clear-eyed and clueless.

"Ahem , in simple terms, the IPC took a huge loss in that place, and we're discussing whether they'll retaliate against the destruction."

Now March 7th understood.

She looked at Dan Heng worriedly.

"Dan Heng, this Scorching Flare guy is so powerful , can the Xianzhou stand up to him. Maybe we should call more people... Oh wait, no, Lord-Ravagers aren't something you can beat with numbers."

March 7th scratched her head in frustration.

To fight a full powered Lord Ravager... unlike Phantylia before...

"As far as I know, the general has already requested aid from other Xianzhou ships. With outside help, we should be able to resist Scorching Flare," Dan Heng nodded calmly, his face unreadable as he continued to study the report.

"Hmm? Someone is sending a communication request to the Express, Pom."

Pom-Pom, who had been listening on the side, suddenly froze, jumped off the sofa, and trotted over to the window.

No particular reason, they just thought the signal was better there.

"Hey hey hey, who's calling the Astral Express? I'm the conductor Pom-Pom. What's up?"

Speaking with an air of arrogance, yet so tiny in stature.

At this moment, Pom-Pom fully embodied that phrase.

As soon as the words fell, a stunning figure suddenly appeared.

It was Topaz, whom they hadn't seen in a while.

"Topaz, you're such a busy person, and you still have time to call us? But… why are you calling the Express directly?"

March 7th asked in confusion.

"Eh? the Express? But I remember this is what you gave me."

"... Uh heh, gave the wrong one, gave the wrong one."

Noticing several glances cast her way, March 7th gave an embarrassed chuckle.

"Miss Topaz, do you have something to discuss with us?" Himeko asked.

"Of course. I assume you all saw today's news, what the Antimatter Legion has done."Himeko nodded slightly.

"I heard you've also been in Luofu recently, so I thought of asking you to help relay a message: the IPC intends to officially ally with Luofu to contain the situation."

Upon hearing this, Welt took a step forward and calmly said, "As far as I know, the IPC should have already discussed this matter with the person in charge of the Xianzhou. Why do you need us to relay the message?"

Topaz looked frustrated as she replied, "Everyone here is smart."

March 7th: …

"The IPC originally wanted to use this opportunity to establish a deeper commercial partnership with the Xianzhou Alliance. After all, while the Alliance does have trade relations with the IPC, it still relies more on its own merchant groups."

The Xianzhou's flight routes usually follow trade routes, balancing material development and economic growth.

Although they cooperate with the IPC, only the Xianzhou Yaoqing has a relatively deep partnership.

After all, this Xianzhou that constantly chases after the followers of abundance can't truly balance both sides' development.

But the Scorching Flare's attack was undoubtedly a great opportunity.

The IPC and the Xianzhou teaming up against a Lord-Ravager.

As long as some of the IPC's higher-ups don't meddle unnecessarily, Topaz was confident things would work out in time.

"I can pass along your message, Miss Topaz, but how the Xianzhou handles it is up to them. We can't help with that."

"You're too kind. I'll be deeply grateful if you could help with this unreasonable request."

Seeing Himeko agree, Topaz immediately smiled.

With the official matter done, Topaz moved on to the bonus topic.

"I heard Godzilla went to the Xianzhou and even helped defeat the Lord Ravager Phantylia. Is that true?"

The group wasn't surprised Topaz knew.

"Godzilla did come to the Xianzhou, but recently left again. As for Phantylia, that concerns Luofu's classified information, we can't just spread it."

"Understandable, understandable. That's all then."

...

After ending the call, Topaz rubbed her forehead, let her smile fade, and sighed.

"I wanted to go check out Jarilo, but looks like it's best to stay put."

Jarilo and Luofu are only a jump away. With such proximity, there's no telling what might happen.

This wasn't a simple Antimatter Legion invasion like before, without a high-level Emanator or game-changing powerhouse, endless Voidrangers alone wouldn't do much.

But the Lord-Ravager Scorching Flare was notoriously fearsome.

Topaz couldn't risk leading her subordinates into danger on Jarilo.

Similarly, as one of the Ten Stonehearts, taking personal risks is acceptable for urgent external matters, and even if someone tried to hold her accountable later, the united front of the Stonehearts made such investigations mostly performative.

"I just hope Jarilo gets through this crisis safely."

Sending Scorching Flare's movements to Bronya and the others, Topaz shook her head and buried herself in the recent stack of documents.

Compared to the paperwork, she actually preferred going to Jarilo on a business trip to supervise planetary restoration.

...

Jarilo.

"Even Miss Topaz sent a warning message, it seems this time, the enemy we face is real trouble."Cocolia's expression was grim.

A Lord Ravager.

If it had been such an entity leading the invasion of Jarilo 700 years ago, the planet might've become a dead star drifting in the galaxy by now.

"Recently, Yukong and Tingyun have been very busy too, they said it's about commercial negotiations," someone chimed in.

"Boom!!!"

Just as the words fell, a familiar rumble echoed.

Turning to look outside through the window, they saw Godzilla passing through a white light screen, just like the time it came to Jarilo to block the Tectonic Worm.

"Hmm? It's a message from Yukong and Tingyun… and Yanqing too?"

Bronya curiously opened it.

...

"That's what happened. We don't know how, but we were brought back to Luofu."

Yukong's expression was hard to describe, but Cocolia understood, just like when Bronya was a child. Though mature, kids still act like kids at times, and during that period, Cocolia often felt the same way as Yukong did now.

"Going back is fine too. Things are busy lately. Take care."

"Okay."

After the call ended, Yukong and Tingyun looked out at the green and vibrant beauty of the Alchemy Commission, so unlike before, and fell silent.

Godzilla gently swayed its tail.

"Thud!" Yanqing broke through the air with his head and landed perfectly.

"Ahem, let's contact Jing Yuan first."

"I think so too."

Yukong and Tingyun shared the same goal. After greeting Godzilla, they headed out.

Yanqing quickly pulled his head out of the ground and chased after them.

Watching the three of them walk away, Godzilla slightly bent down and examined the territory it had stayed in for a while.

"Not enough greenery,"

Godzilla thought to itself.

Thinking of the plants influenced by it that Ruan Mei used for experiments, they were probably taken from here.

It swayed its tail and, finding a suitable angle, slowly closed its eyes.

Its tail, acting on its own will, continued to sway flexibly. The Hexagonal Cage was precisely beneath the tail.

No doubt, Phantylia enjoyed this kind of play so much she was moved speechless.

...

Meanwhile, seeing the now-empty clearing again, Serval couldn't help the twitch at the corner of her eye.

"Sigh, missed them again."

She wanted to go to the Xianzhou too.

And today of all days she went into town to buy some parts, how did she miss them?

Sitting where Godzilla had previously lain, Serval fell into thought.

"Forget it, no use thinking. Might as well study how this thing works first."

Shaking her head, Serval pulled herself together and, carrying a box of energy ores not native to Jarilo, dashed into her cabin to begin her research them.

...

"So comfortable... it must be back." Back at his post, Ji Yi looked inside, his expression slightly moved.

After all, he was a seasoned veteran, so he naturally noticed the many changes in his body.

But he didn't think it had to do with anything Mara related, he just felt that being near Godzilla was like returning to nature, physically and mentally refreshed.

That kind of distinct sensation was unforgettable. The moment Godzilla returned and he felt that comfort, he knew it was back.

Before he could act,

"Yu... Kong" and Tingyun! Even Yanqing, did something something?!

Seeing so many familiar faces, Ji Yi blinked.

His gaze switched between the three and the road they came from.

He remembered this was his first shift, no one had gone in. So where had these three come from?

Sensing the confusion in Ji Yi's eyes, the three looked a little embarrassed.

Yukong then put on a leaderly air and said,

"We have important matters to discuss with the general. Please make way."

"Oh, oh."

Not understanding but still nodding, Ji Yi stepped aside.

Watching their somewhat rushed backs, he remained dazed for a long while...

When did they get in?

...

In no time, the news of Godzilla's return to the Scalegorge Waterscape reached the Vidyadhara Preceptor's ears.

The Vidyadhara's Preceptors who had secretly tried to sneak back while Godzilla was away were so shocked they nearly lost their breath, some almost reincarnated then and there.

...

Meanwhile in the Divination Commission, Jing Yuan, Fu Xuan, and Yukong sat in a triangular formation.

"Heh, if it weren't for my sharp instincts, I'd still be in the dark, fooled by Lady Yukong. You're really a master of intelligence work."

Hearing Fu Xuan's teasing, Yukong looked a bit awkward.

"Ahem, this wasn't something I could decide alone. The real key player was the general. I didn't know anything till I was on Jarilo."

Fu Xuan's probing gaze turned to Jing Yuan.

Seeing Yukong divert attention so quickly, the smile that had just formed on Jing Yuan's face froze.

"Let bygones be bygones. Yukong, was there an urgent reason for your hasty return? And how did you get back so fast?"

Jing Yuan looked at Yukong, partly to draw fire away from himself, but also genuinely curious how she returned so quickly.

With a major battle looming, the Sky-Faring Commission couldn't be without its helmswoman.

It wasn't that the commission would collapse without Yukong.

But as the highly respected highest officer in the helmswoman position, her presence was a huge morale boost.

And though this genius pilot was unwilling and unable to fly anymore, her strategic insight remained invaluable.

"Actually, we caught a ride..."

Yukong briefly explained that Godzilla was returning for a buffet, and they just happened to be on its back, saying their goodbyes to Cocolia, Bronya, and others.

When Godzilla heard they were heading back to Luofu, it kindly offered them a lift.

"What a... convenient way to travel," Fu Xuan racked her brain for the right word, but gave up. Who would've thought someone would return to Luofu like that?

Jing Yuan nodded slightly, thoughtful. "No wonder Yanqing looked dizzy. He must not be used to this method of travel."

Yukong hesitated. She really wanted to say:

You misunderstood, General, Yanqing's dizziness had nothing to do with the travel method...