Ultimately, March 7th's investigation into Yi Mu's identity concluded with Bai Luan preparing a large table of dishes as an apology.
As a result, a few more people in this world now knew that he was Yi Mu.
After a day of rest, the Astral Express was ready to depart the next day.
After all, they had only come here to accept Ms. Herta's retrieval commission and resupply, with no intention of staying long.
Bai Luan and a Herta Puppet came to see the Express crew off.
Although the Puppet was present, Herta was not remotely controlling this particular Puppet; it was merely a ceremonial appearance.
He watched the train, about to pull away from the platform, a hint of confusion and hesitation flashing in his eyes.
In the end, he still couldn't figure out if he truly yearned to board the train, or if he should board it now.
The path of Trailblazing would not stop for Bai Luan, so as he hesitated, the train was already about to head into the distance.
Just watching the train depart like this, had he missed an opportunity?
March 7th and Dan Heng briefly said goodbye to Bai Luan, then boarded the train.
Welt Yang glanced at Bai Luan, seemingly seeing through his hesitation.
"If this short amount of time isn't enough for you to figure out what to do, then you should spend even more time thinking it through, as it's truly important to you."
"I know... I just worry about missing an opportunity."
"Don't worry about that. I think... this won't be the last time we meet."
Welt Yang smiled at Bai Luan and said,
"I look forward to our next meeting."
These words were both a farewell and a reassurance.
"Mhm, goodbye."
Welt Yang boarded the train. Now, only Himeko remained.
Himeko looked at Bai Luan, a smile gracing her lips, and said,
"Your cooking skills are excellent. Everyone enjoyed the meal yesterday."
"Thank you."
"I heard everything from Welt. He said you want to board the train?"
At this moment, the Herta Puppet nearby suddenly spoke,
"Hey! Don't try to poach my talent!"
Bai Luan looked at the Herta Puppet with some surprise. When had she connected to the Puppet?
Himeko also looked at the Herta Puppet with some surprise and said, "I didn't expect you to be unwilling. Usually, you seem quite indifferent."
"He's different."
The Herta Puppet crossed her arms.
"He's like a cat. I'll allow him to wander for a while, but I won't give him away."
A cat? A cat?
Bai Luan's mouth twitched.
Well, at least it was a step up from a useful tool.
Himeko smiled upon hearing this and said,
"Don't worry, I'm not here to persuade him to board the train."
Himeko looked at Bai Luan and said,
"First, I want to tell you that if you wish to board, the train welcomes everyone, and that naturally includes you."
The Herta Puppet cast a suspicious glance:
"Didn't you say you wouldn't persuade him to board?"
Facing Herta's skepticism, Himeko unhurriedly explained, "I haven't finished yet."
Then she looked at Bai Luan and continued, "I don't know why you want to board the train, whether it's out of a passion for Trailblazing or a desire for a different life, but if you have bonds you can't let go of..."
Himeko glanced playfully at the Herta Puppet not far away, then continued, "...you don't have to be limited to the train. The train represents Trailblazing, but Trailblazing isn't just one option."
Trailblazing isn't just one option?
Bai Luan pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "I understand."
"Then, goodbye. We will meet again."
"Mhm, goodbye."
Bai Luan waved at Himeko, and Himeko smiled and waved back, then boarded the train. The train's cabin door closed.
Then the Astral Express's engine roared, its heavy wheels began to turn, and it slowly pulled out of the Herta Space Station platform, disappearing into the distance.
The next stop for the Astral Express must be the beginning of an adventure, right?
It must be.
The Astral Express is always like that.
"It's already far away, still watching?"
The Herta Puppet's voice from behind pulled Bai Luan back to reality. He turned to look at the Herta Puppet.
"Are you really that reluctant?"
Bai Luan smiled and shook his head, saying,
"Not really."
After all, he had already left a fixed point on the train with his Anywhere Door. If he wanted to, he could visit the train anytime.
"Uncomfortable staying here, so you thought about boarding the train?"
"It's not that I'm uncomfortable here that made me think about boarding the train."
Bai Luan shook his head and patiently explained, "Boarding the train has become a fixation for me. Before I truly encountered the train, I always thought boarding it was the thing I wanted to do most."
"And now?"
"I already said, this matter has changed from the thing I wanted to do most to a fixation."
"Speak in plain terms."
Bai Luan looked at the Herta Puppet, smiled helplessly, and said,
"That is to say, I am very satisfied with my current life, so satisfied that I can't bear to leave even when a long-dreamed-of opportunity is right in front of me."
Upon hearing this, the Herta Puppet revealed a faint smile.
"Is your dream really that fragile?"
"People change. If a person stops changing, it can only mean they're dead."
The Herta Puppet pondered for a moment, then said, "I'll allow you to visit the train, but I won't allow you to board it."
Bai Luan scratched his head and asked, "Is there a difference between the two?"
"The difference is whether you come back on your own, or if I have to put in some effort to drag you back."
Why did it feel like something terrifying would happen if he were dragged back?
Better not try it...
It seemed he was stuck with Ms. Herta for life.
Bai Luan nodded, agreeing.
"Alright, I understand."
The Astral Express had departed, but Himeko's words before leaving had planted a seed in Bai Luan's heart.
He had always closely associated adventure with the Astral Express, always thinking that he would learn more now and then do this and that once he boarded the train.
But now, it seemed he could also have adventures without boarding the train.
Should he try to go on an adventure by himself?
After all, he had the Anywhere Door for travel, and he also had a certain degree of self-preservation ability.
Speaking of which, the Anywhere Door's random teleportation function had never been used yet...
As he was thinking this, Bai Luan's phone suddenly vibrated, interrupting his thoughts.
[Silver Wolf has requested to add you as a friend]
???
Oh my god! Doxxed!
How did she know my account?
Silver Wolf tracked me all the way here?
Did she dox me again?
No! Silver Wolf!
You have hacking abilities that can rival Screwllum, and you're using those abilities to dox me!?
Genius hacker! Do something useful!
What's going on lately? My alternate identities keep getting exposed...
What are these companies even doing? Can't they even protect this much information?
No, I guess I can't blame them, after all, they're up against Silver Wolf.
Damn it, to be doxxed by someone of this caliber, I must be truly blessed.
With a feeling of 'riding a wild horse,' Bai Luan accepted the friend request.
After all, if he didn't accept, Silver Wolf would just appear directly in Bai Luan's friend list next time, instead of sending him a friend request.
After the friend request was accepted, Silver Wolf immediately sent a message.
Silver Wolf: Why aren't you online?
Silver Wolf: Why aren't you replying to my messages?
Bai Luan: ...Do you really have to track me all the way here?
Silver Wolf: You're lazy. If I don't nag you, how will I get new games to play?
Silver Wolf: Don't think you can escape by just staying offline.
...
Since I can't escape, I'll just trade one for one.
Bai Luan: I can do it.
Bai Luan: But you also have to promise me one thing.
Silver Wolf: What is it?
Bai Luan: You have to sing a song for me.
Silver Wolf: ?
Silver Wolf: Have you even heard my voice to ask me?
Bai Luan: I even know what you look like, and how tall you are.
Silver Wolf: Ridiculous, I don't believe it.
Bai Luan: I'll just say one thing.
Bai Luan: The [erased] kindergarten classmate.
Far away, Silver Wolf suddenly stood up:
"How could he know!?
Then Silver Wolf nervously looked around.
The other side doxxed her too?
When did she show a weakness? How did she not notice at all?
Silver Wolf self-checked for a long time but couldn't find any suspicious traces.
How was that possible?
He had cleaned up his tracks so thoroughly?
Silver Wolf's expression was no longer as casual as before; she became serious.
This was an expert.
Silver Wolf: How did you find out?
Bai Luan: Do you think I'd tell you?
Bai Luan: Don't worry, I just want to tell you that we're just online friends, don't cross too many boundaries.
Bai Luan smiled. This was truly for Silver Wolf's own good.
It was fine if she only doxxed him through those three accounts, but if she continued to dox him through this account, Ms. Herta would find out.
Then Silver Wolf's account would probably have to make a quick escape.
Silver Wolf: Tsk, I understand.
Bai Luan: But what I said before still stands.
Silver Wolf: ...What song do you want me to sing?
Hahahahahahahahaha! (Wipes hair) (Loud, unrestrained laughter) Finally, she fell for it.
What kind of superb hacking skills did I have!
I was just reciting your backstory!
This is a Transmigrator! Silver Wolf!
Bai Luan laughed as he typed out the song title.
Bai Luan: "Indoor-type track maker."
Silver Wolf: I can, but if I don't sing it well, you're not allowed to go back on your word or cheat.
Silver Wolf: Unless you want to get beaten up by a large mecha.
This way I can meet Firefly.
Bai Luan suddenly wanted to go back on his word and try it.
In the end, Bai Luan still didn't go back on his word.
Mainly because he felt it was too early for a one-on-one mecha battle with Firefly.
After all, his mecha's appearance largely referenced Firefly's look.
Speaking of which, did he owe Firefly a royalty fee?
Bai Luan, just like when he collaborated with Robin, simply sang a sample track and sent it over.
Silver Wolf: It's pretty good.
Bai Luan: Your vocal range is very suitable for this song.
Bai Luan: Just sing it, it'll definitely fit.
Bai Luan: Fashusan Da~
Silver Wolf: First, tell me what game you plan to make.
Bai Luan: Titanfall 2.
Silver Wolf: ...What about Titanfall 1?
Bai Luan: Skipped it.
Silver Wolf: ( ᗜ ˰ ᗜ )
Silver Wolf: If it's not fun, I'm coming through the internet cable to beat you up.
Bai Luan: ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!
Previously, most of his development involved pixelated mini-games, winning by gameplay.
This time, making Titanfall naturally couldn't be like before.
He'd add some of the Honkai: Star Rail world's black technology, and just optimize it.
Anyway, it was much easier than building the Herta Space Station.