In the Honkai world, everyone was on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the arrival of eight o'clock at night.
As a game that was both incredibly mysterious and yet played by people all over the globe, the anticipation for this first preview livestream was immense... or perhaps it was more "curiosity."
Ordinary people were just paying some casual attention, looking to claim their hard-earned 300 Stellar Jade. But for those with a deeper understanding of the game, or those in positions of power, various meetings had already been convened as they awaited the broadcast.
The reason was simple: the game was far too mysterious and held far too much "substance."
As for what this so-called "substance" actually referred to, everyone likely had a different answer in their hearts.
---o---
"Ten seconds until the livestream begins. Host, please prepare... 10... 9..."
Staring up at the countdown on the large screen, Wende took a deep breath. I hope everyone in the Honkai world... can be a bit more normal! he prayed silently in his heart.
"1... 0. Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.1 Preview Livestream begins."
As the system's countdown ended, a flood of bullet comments instantly inundated the massive screen in the studio!
"Is this... the sheer volume of an entire world?"
Wende secretly swallowed to ease his nerves. He didn't even care what the comments were saying anymore... because they were scrolling by too fast to read!
From the perspective of the Honkai world, when the livestream began, the Honkai: Star Rail logo flashed across the screen, followed by the preview animation for Version 1.1.
While the 1.1 PV was playing, Wende was still observing the comments. He noticed a golden section at the very top of the screen. A few golden comments had just flashed by, but he hadn't quite caught them.
[Kiana: Bronya, look! You're in the PV!]
[Bronya: Baka Kiana, that is Silver Wolf, not the Bronya.]
[Kiana: Eh... but you two look exactly the same!]
[Himeko: Hehe...]
Seeing these golden comments and the familiar names, Wende's gaze sharpened instantly.
"Please don't... please don't let it be him!" Wende muttered under his breath, praying that a certain person's name would not appear.
[Theresa: Oh! Our comments are golden! What's going on?]
Theresa, in the Honkai world, sent a comment with great novelty, immediately noticing that hers was different from the rest.
[Otto Apocalypse: Oh~ my dear Theresa, are you watching the preview livestream as well?]
"!!!!!"
Seeing that golden line of text, complete with the full name, Wende's pupils contracted in a seismic shock.
"I'm screwed! I couldn't avoid it! But then again, how could he possibly not notice... I just hope he doesn't pay any attention to me!"
After calming his rattled nerves, the thought that this guy couldn't possibly reach him across dimensions brought Wende some comfort.
Thank goodness... he hadn't transmigrated into Honkai Impact 3rd!
The PV ended, and now it was Wende's solo performance. Steeling himself, Wende sat calmly behind the desk. The moment the PV finished, he delivered the opening lines he had carefully rehearsed.
"Astral Express TV, Astral Express TV! This is the Honkai: Star Rail Preview Program, exclusively sponsored and broadcast by the Astral Express! I am Wende, logistics officer, physician, chef, and your host from the Astral Express!"
[Himeko: My, my... tsk tsk tsk, not bad at all~]
[Fu Hua: Teacher Himeko... are you drunk?]
[Himeko: No, but I'm already intoxicated~]
Himeko gazed at the prim and proper Wende, her eyes slightly hazy. "Hehe, so the real person is just as handsome... Looks like I'll have to ask the Principal for my salary so I can pull for my little brother's S5..."
[Elysia: Oh my! Look! I won, he really is more magnificent than you! Kalpas! You have to keep your word now~]
*[Kalpas: ********] (Muted for excessive profanity)
[Tesla: Kid! Where's your Welt! Tell him to come out and see me!]
[Welt Yang: Dr. Tesla... this is just a preview. It was likely pre-recorded. He can't see this.]
[Tesla: Hah?? Fck! What fcking bad luck! And I waited for so long!]
"..."
Is there a possibility... that I can actually see you?
Wende maintained his professional smile, explaining the various contents of Version 1.1 while internally cursing a storm. He didn't want this either! By the way, how did he manage to catch the eye of the Honkai world's Teacher Himeko?!
After explaining the skills and some background for Silver Wolf and Luocha, Wende smiled and displayed the first redemption code, worth one hundred Stellar Jade. He took the opportunity to have a sip of water and take a short break.
---o---
"Mm..."
Bronya, who had been intently watching the livestream, suddenly frowned and looked around the room.
"Strange..." she muttered to herself, puzzled.
"Hm? Bronya, what's wrong?" Mei noticed Bronya's furrowed brow and approached with concern.
"Thank you for your concern, Mei-senpai. The Bronya is fine. It's just that I feel..."
Bronya's expression was strange. Logically, she shouldn't be having such an illusion...
"It felt as if someone just glanced at the Bronya..."
---o---
"..."
Otto's expression suddenly darkened.
"Your Excellency?" Amber, standing behind him, looked at Otto's abrupt change in demeanor with confusion.
"Amber, leave. Do not let anyone in without my command."
Otto's voice was cold and piercing, a seriousness she had never heard before.
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Though puzzled, Amber knew better than to ask questions. She walked out of Otto's room and reinforced the security throughout the entire headquarters.
Hearing Amber leave, Otto's brow relaxed, and he slowly closed his eyes.
In the complete darkness, he felt a gaze descend—a gaze that was both sacred... and heretical. A divine being with a female face, a male body, and six arms...
...appeared within the turbidity of his soul.