Aboard the Astral Express.
The long, crimson "Night of Universal Hallucinations" in the storyline had yet to end.
But this time, they were prepared.
As the Conductor, Pom-Pom had already rerouted the Express away from the danger zone.
Himeko had also contacted the Interastral Peace Corporation (IPC), reporting the Colossal Voidranger lurking on the starways.
"Rest assured," Himeko said, "The IPC has dispatched specialists to investigate the route."
"This crisis... we've avoided it in advance."
Pom-Pom patted his chest in relief. "That's good, Pom!"
March 7th sighed. "Not only do we skip the bug infestation, but we also don't have to deal with that eccentric Knight of Beauty!"
"Saves us so much trouble!"
"Don't get me wrong—he seemed nice in the story. But if he actually showed up in person, I'd get a headache."
Himeko leaned back in her seat. "Still, I wonder... how would the 'storyline us' have handled this crisis?"
---
Argenti's Resolve
In the game's narrative, Argenti pulled Stelle aside for a private conversation.
"I apologize for my abruptness. But as a Knight of Beauty... this is a battle I must face alone."
"I intend to disembark and confront the Voidranger directly—piercing its stomach with my lance, forcing it to vomit the Express out."
"I cannot explain this feeling... but when I witness certain things, my heart stirs with an emotion I can only call 'beauty.'"
"Perhaps it's because I've wandered the galaxy alone for too long. Yet I know my duty: to stand before the seeds of 'beauty' and shield them from harm."
"And now... the Astral Express is that seed."
"Here, I feel a warmth—like 'home.' I believe it comes from the bonds you all share..."
Pom-Pom's eyes sparkled. "My impression of Argenti has changed, Pom! His actions may be hard to grasp, but his heart is pure!"
March 7th was moved. "He's willing to sacrifice himself for us..."
"Just for that—if he ever becomes a playable character, I'm pulling for him!"
---
The Duel Before Departure
Before leaving, Argenti challenged Stelle to a final duel.
"Let us settle our unfinished battle!"
"I shall prove my resolve with my lance. Win or lose, I will accept the outcome... and bid you farewell, my friend."
[BATTLE START]
This time, it was a full-fledged boss fight.
Argenti summoned "Lance Tips," "Shields," and "Medals"—all sharing his Physical/Fire/Ice weaknesses.
March 7th, who had relied on Dan Heng (Imbibitor Lunae) to brute-force content, struggled hard.
"Wait... do I need to build Clara now?"
"She's been rising in tier lists lately!"
Pom-Pom groaned at Argenti's flashy skills. "Why's he smashing floors and scattering petals?! If this were the real Express, I'd cry, Pom!"
After a grueling fight, victory was secured.
"That was brutal!"
"If this were 'Forgotten Hall,' I wouldn't even know what team to use!"
---
The Knight's Sacrifice
Watching Argenti prepare to face the Voidranger alone, even Velite—though reluctant to admit it—was moved.
"Fine! If you won't listen... I'll go with you!"
The screen flashed white, capturing Argenti in a heroic stance—lance raised, gaze unwavering.
"Fear not. I shall shout—'The Goddess Idrila's beauty eclipses all!'"
"Once the Express is safe... I will find my own way back."
"If you witness this, perhaps you'll understand my fervor."
"In the crimson night of the cosmos... let this knight be your light!"
Stelle nearly clapped.
Damn, they made him so cool. Now I HAVE to pull for him.
The Express accelerated, bursting free from the Voidranger's maw—into a sky filled with illusory blue fireworks.
March 7th gasped. "Did we cause a cosmic explosion?!"
Welt adjusted his glasses. "No. It's the Voidranger's hallucinogenic scales."
"But Argenti... probably thought it was beautiful."
---
The Aftermath
The crew fell silent, reflecting on how a knight they barely knew had saved them.
Then—
A notification flashed on-screen.
[System: Argenti (5★, Physical, The Erudition) has been added to the Limited Character Banner!]
[Optional PV: "Chivalric Romance" now available.]
March 7th squealed. "He's playable! And LIMITED 5-STAR?!"
"According to Yu Ling, this means we've unlocked TWO limited 5-stars now!"
"Not only did we avoid a crisis, but we got a new banner! Best. Quest. Ever!"
Stelle sighed. "March... no heart. He 'sacrificed himself' 30 seconds ago, and you're already rolling?"
March 7th paused, then huffed. "That's emotional blackmail! He's alive out there somewhere!"
"We SHOULD celebrate!"
Just then—
A message arrived.
[Group Chat: Argenti, March 7th, Pom-Pom, Trailblazer]
[Argenti: Are you all safe?]
[I was... concerned.]
[The battle was fierce, but Idrila's grace guided me.]
[Though the Voidranger had... bad breath. My armor required extensive polishing afterward.]
March 7th and Stelle cheered.
"SEE? Happy ending!"
"Yu Ling would NEVER kill off a new character!"
---
March 7th immediately pulled on Argenti's banner.
70 rolls later—GOLDEN LIGHT ERUPTED!
[Argenti (NEW) – 5★, The Erudition, Physical]
"YES! No pity break!"
"One limited 5-star acquired!"
"Who else could be coming? Maybe someone we know?"
Himeko, working on her laptop, projected a new image onto the screen.
"This one, you haven't met yet."
"Topaz—Senior Executive of the IPC's Strategic Investment Department."
"The Corporation is hosting a livestream to celebrate her banner release. Want to watch?"
Stelle blinked. "Wait... an IPC suit is playable?!"
Welt shrugged. "After the Stellaron Hunters joined, nothing surprises me."
March 7th grinned. "Let's see what this 'Topaz' is like!"
To be continued…
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