Honkai Won’t Stop Chasing Me

After miHoYo's logo, the scene transitions to Belobog, now brimming with renewed life.

"Buzz, buzz!"

The vibration of the phone caught Stelle's attention.

Why was it always the Stelle version?

As a staunch supporter of the Caelus version, the young man must have deliberately "accidentally" selected the wrong option.

"Hey, Trailblazer, you there?

While cleaning, I found two afternoon tea discount coupons for Goethe Hotel. Wanna go grab some?"

Stelle read Serval's message. Though the excuse was flimsy, adhering to the principle of "free drinks are free drinks," Stelle gladly agreed and met Serval at Goethe Hotel.

——

Upper District, Goethe Hotel.

"Where is she? Why hasn't she arrived yet?" Serval sat on the sofa, glancing at her watch.

Just as she looked up, she saw Stelle's lips curl into a faint smirk.

"Hey! Speak of the devil! I was just wondering when you'd get here!"

Stelle eyed the empty table. "Where's the stuff you were supposed to order for me?"

"Huh? What stuff?" Serval pulled out her phone to check.

"Oh, I didn't have notifications on. My bad, my bad! But we can still order now—get whatever you want!"

"In that case, I'm drinking my fill."

"Haha, don't go overboard, though. Too much will give you a stomachache and keep you up at night.

But, well… actually, the reason I asked you out today is because I wanted to ask you for a favor."

Stelle subtly took a step back. "I knew there was no such thing as free coffee. There's always a catch—I'm outta here…"

"No running away!" Serval immediately grabbed Stelle's arm with both hands. "Don't panic, I just wanna ask you something.

Ugh, wait, let me phrase this properly.

So, the Astral Express is still in Belobog, right?

I was wondering… is the Express still accepting new passengers?"

"Huh?" Stelle scratched her head. "Why the sudden question?"

"Well, now that everything's settled—the Stellaron's resolved, Cocolia's…" A flicker of sorrow passed through Serval's eyes, but it vanished just as quickly.

"Never mind, forget I said anything!

It's not like Belobog's bad. I can always go back to my 'Mechanic's Workshop,' tinker with equipment, practice the guitar, and perform. The atmosphere's decent, even if the audience is always the same few people.

Besides, I am a researcher at heart. It's only natural to be curious about new things. The chance to explore the universe—how could I not be tempted?"

[Wahh… Serval, please stop talking, I'm sorry for being born human!]

[So in the game Blue Star Online, was I just stuck in wilderness survival mode this whole time?]

[Is Serval flexing right now? In this economy, just being able to support yourself is already an achievement.]

——

Stelle nearly shed tears upon hearing Serval's story. "I get you. Welcome aboard! But…"

"Really? That's amazing!" Serval paused. "'But'?! Don't leave me hanging like that!"

"Oops!" Stelle pulled out her phone.

"I can't decide this alone—gotta ask the others first."

"Ohhh, got it! Then I'll leave it to you! I know this is sudden and kinda selfish, so sorry in advance.

Order whatever you want to eat or drink—it's on me!"

Stelle glanced at the menu. "Pack me a juice for later. I'll bring it to March 7th."

"March 7th? Ohhh, the pink-haired girl! You two are so close, it's adorable! I'm jealous!" Serval's expression shifted as if recalling something—a faint smile surfaced, then quickly morphed into a bitter smirk.

"..."

The next scene showed Stelle alone on the sofa.

"Serval's gone back. Who should I ask now?

Mr. Yang? He's mature and reliable—he'd definitely have good advice.

Or Pom-Pom the Conductor? That works too!

What about Miss Himeko? She is the navigator and owner of the Express.

So… who's the best person to consult?"

"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe!"

Thus, Stelle opened her phone and began a slightly absurd conversation.

[Stelle: Auntie Himeko! I mean, Professor Himeko, I have a question!]

[Himeko: Heh, you did just call me 'auntie,' didn't you? Never mind—ask away, student Stelle.]

[Stelle: A friend of mine wants to drink Professor Himeko's coffee!]

[Himeko: Oh? How rare. I'd never turn them away.]

[…]

After a brief exchange, Stelle received Himeko's confirmation—the Astral Express welcomed anyone.

Stelle pocketed the phone and headed to the Mechanic's Workshop.

Before long, Stelle noticed the "Open" sign on the door, which was unlocked. She pushed it open.

Coincidentally, Gepard and Serval were deep in conversation.

Gepard's face was full of reluctance. "Big sis, just go talk to Lady Bronya. She did extend the invitation personally."

Serval frowned. "I know, I know! Just give me some time to think!"

"Bad timing?" Stelle's arrival interrupted them.

Serval looked at her like a lifeline. "Perfect timing—help me out here!"

Gepard shot Stelle a meaningful glance. "Huh? Trailblazer? Just the person we need—please talk some sense into her!"

"Gently or forcefully?" Stelle raised an eyebrow at the siblings.

Serval planted a hand on her hip. "Hey! Whose side are you on?!"

"Neither. Sort it out yourselves!"

Afterward, Serval and Gepard resumed their debate while Stelle watched blankly.

As it turned out, the new Supreme Guardian Bronya believed that with the Stellaron crisis resolved and reconstruction underway, talent was urgently needed. She wanted Serval to rejoin the military and contribute to the Silvermane Guards' development.

Unable to withstand the combined pressure from Stelle and Gepard, Serval reluctantly went to negotiate with the Supreme Guardian alone.

Watching Serval leave, Gepard couldn't hide his concern.

His words hinted at untold history between "Cocolia" and Serval—and how Serval had been acting strangely since Cocolia's departure.

True to form, Gepard couldn't stop worrying. He decided to drag Stelle along to Qliphoth Fort to check on Serval and Bronya's discussion.

——

When Gepard and Stelle arrived at the Supreme Guardian's office, they were met with an unexpectedly harmonious scene.

Bronya's real reason for inviting Serval was to hand over Cocolia's memento—an electric guitar.

From the fragmented dialogue, the audience gleaned that this flashy guitar seemed tied to Serval and Cocolia's shared past.

The full story, however, would only be revealed once they returned to the Mechanic's Workshop.

Back in the familiar workshop, Serval exhaled deeply. "Home's so much comfier. Outside, I always feel… off."

She then pulled Gepard into helping her pack.

Stelle quietly approached the distracted Serval.

"So… wanna talk about that guitar now?"