Yevenko was deep in thought.
Everything that had just happened felt like a dream.
"Still… the fact that I survived that situation — does it mean I can't die while I'm near Tom? Or… could it be that my body's begun to take on the properties of a gag character too?"
Both seemed plausible. But it wasn't like he could die again just to test which theory was right.
The suffocating sensation of drifting in the void was still fresh in his memory — haunting. Any other form of death would probably be just as terrifying.
He wasn't actually a gag character, after all. He still feared death.
But… it didn't matter.
The universe of Star Rail was full of dangers. With his current level of chicken-tier combat power, he was constantly teetering on the brink of life and death. He'd get plenty of chances to find out which it was.
And beyond that—
A bold idea took root in Yevenko's mind.
Whichever case it turned out to be, it meant he could afford to be just a little more reckless. Maybe even lean into the chaos. Embrace the fun.
That thought made him straighten up and rise to his feet, spine held a little taller than before.
In the distance, Tom had been sweeping the floor at lightning speed, but when he saw Yevenko get up, he dropped everything and rushed over.
Belly round and waddling like a penguin-shaped punching bag, he flashed a big, toothy grin — part awkward, part apologetic, clearly still guilty over what had just happened.
Then Tom held out his white-gloved paw. Resting in the center was that same little firecracker.
[Tuffy's Little Firecracker: Trust me. Its bang won't disappoint.]
Seeing this, Yevenko took the firecracker and pocketed it.
He patted Tom gently on the head.
"Don't worry, Tom. I'm not mad. Just be more careful next time — that thing wasn't even lit. It wouldn't have exploded."
"And remember, we're not on solid ground. We're in space. So we have to be extra cautious."
Hearing that, Tom nodded rapidly like a pecking chick.
Then Yevenko seemed to recall something. "Oh right — Tom, let me see your fencing sword."
At Yevenko's request, Tom reached behind his completely empty back and pulled out a rapier, handing it over.
Yevenko took the sword and inspected it — but no item description appeared.
His heart sank slightly.
Earlier, the rapier he'd drawn through the gacha — [Tom's Fencing Rapier] — had a special effect attached. He'd hoped maybe he could just borrow equipment directly from Tom to arm himself.
But it seemed that plan was a bust.
Only gacha-drawn items worked for him. Stuff taken directly from Tom was just… stuff.
Still, he was starting to get a clearer sense of how the draw system worked — and how to earn more Star Rail Tickets and Special Tickets.
[Star Rail Tickets (Standard/Special): As you explore the galaxy and leave your mark, you may come across traces of them.]
From any angle, there's no avoiding it now. I've got to warp.
Yevenko stepped up to the train door, Tom trailing behind in little waddling steps.
Before them stretched the endless shimmer of stars.
With a flourish, Yevenko pulled Tom's Fencing Rapier from his Star Rail Inventory and held it high.
"Tom! Follow me — sword in hand, into the stars!"
Warp — initiated!
The Warp button shimmered faintly.
In Yevenko's mind, a selection of destinations appeared.
But only one of them — [Herta Space Station] — was lit up. The others were vague silhouettes, shrouded in darkness.
So I don't get a choice.
Then let's go!
At his command, the Astral Express — previously gliding slowly through the galaxy — suddenly surged forward, as if awakened by his will.
Faint blue starlight flickered across the body of the train, growing brighter until it completely enveloped it.
In the next instant, the Astral Express vanished from sight.
Herta Space Station — Support Module Sector
A girl stood quietly by the platform.
Her chestnut hair was cut at the shoulders, pulled into a single side ponytail. Her features were delicate and elegant, yet her expression held a calm, collected maturity.
She wore a short white-and-purple dress that showed off her slender figure, layered under a white lab coat — the standard uniform of a researcher.
Around her neck hung her work ID. The title printed on it was unmistakable: Acting Station Master — Asta.
With a slight press of her soft pink lips, she asked in a gentle voice:
"Arlan, how much longer until the Astral Express arrives?"
The person she was speaking to stood beside her — a white-haired, dark-skinned boy, shorter than her by a few inches.
"Miss, it'll still be a while. Honestly, you didn't need to wait here. Once the Astral Express team arrives, I'll escort them straight to you."
Asta frowned slightly.
"Arlan, don't call me 'Miss.' It's 'Station Master Asta.'"
Then she shook her head.
"That won't do. The Astral Express is a trusted partner of Madame Herta. They deserve our full attention. We can't afford to be negligent."
But just then—
Arlan's communicator buzzed. A string of messages came through, making him frown as he read.
"What? The Astral Express is already nearby?"
"This timing's way off from what I was told earlier."
"…Forget it. I won't hold you accountable for the mistake right now. Just bring the Express in to dock."
He hung up, then turned to Asta.
"Station Master Asta, there's been a change — the Astral Express is about to enter—"
VMMMMMMMMMMMM—
A deep hum resonated through the air.
The Astral Express had arrived.
It cruised forward slowly, gliding along the platform until it came to a smooth stop at the far end.
Asta and Arlan approached, ready to welcome the crew.
But just as they reached the doors—
Whoosh—
A blue-and-white cat over a meter tall leapt out from inside, landing with a bounce.
Tom spotted Asta and Arlan. He rummaged furiously behind his back.
Finally, he pulled out a small purple wildflower — the kind you'd find growing by the roadside.
Turning to face Asta, he flashed his signature oversized grin and extended the flower to her.