Spacebound Sapling

by ErlanggSIOC

A fantasy coming true at a terrible cost, in other words, CLOSE YOUR CHAT AND THROW AWAY YOUR DEVICE WHEN AN R.O.B. ENTERS THE CHAT. Unfortunately, it's too late for me to follow my own advice, and I'm left to ponder whether this Adventure is worth it as a Supporting Character in this Starward Journey. A Honkai Star Rail SI

1. Chapter 1

"We're almost there! Just a bit more!" Himeko shouted. Her words textbook example of encouragement in dire times, followed by the sounds of explosions and steel being crushed, making for the perfect backdrop as we stared down a Dragonic structure of black white-gold and ominous neon, already towering over us by a few stories' height from the waist up only.

Himeko called it a Doomsday Beast, and seeing the thing's wingspan, matching the space platform's whole length and even covering the space hangar's opening, I can say with 100% of certainty that it was a fitting title.

Especially with a positioning that makes the beast eclipse the planet behind it.
It was a trick of the eye, a product of perception. Still, even knowing so, the whole presentation did too good of a job at making the damn thing look world-ending level of imposing!

"It's going for another strike!"

Dan Heng warned, already taking his own advice by jumping backward to dodge. I knew enough to listen to his words, but being nowhere as athletic as he was, my only method of evasion was to turn around and run with my tail between my legs.

"Again!? So annoying!" March protested, taking off and running parallel to me.

With our best speed, we handily got out of the Doomsday Beast's reach, avoiding the creature's black right arm as it swiped at us and further decimated what remained of the space platform.

Not that there's much of the place left at this point, but I still feel my anger bubbling. I was pissed off that this thing destroyed thefirst place that welcomed me with open arms.

"Ugh! STOP SMASHING EVERYTHING AND JUST BREAK ALREADY!"

Part frustration, part desperation, all icy wrath, March freezes the ground under her and transitioned from a run into a perfect shooting stance with a sliding 180-degree turn.

Being close, I noticed the sudden drop in temperature, complete with the formation of ice flakes no less, and I could tell that her next arrow would be her strongest yet.

So I followed her lead, pivoting around, and launched a horizontal slash with my short spear. Unleashing a blade of leaves traveling in a crescent green wave, hitting the limb that nearly flattened me moments ago.

The payback felt good. I grinned the whole way even as I tumbled because of my momentum, falling flat on my back. Luckily everyone, especially March, missed the sight of me hitting the ground. Too busy and engrossed in their own endeavor.

My attack didn't do much besides causing the beast to flinch ever so slightly despite being a clean hit. That killed my well-earned schadenfreude alongside the ego boost, but I hastily pushed those negative thoughts out of my head.

I never was the DPS of this team. Nope, I'm a support-type character who just needs to hit the enemy first before anyone else, and as the Doomsday Beast's right arm starts glowing neon-green, I know that I've done my part.

The fruits of my labor can only be picked by others. Yeah, that's right. That's how it's always been. I'll get my reward soon enough. Just need to wait a bit and…..

My grin returned in full as I heard a whistling sound. Sure enough, a pink and blue aurora-like streak whistled through the air, hitting the Doomsday Beast's right arm dead center followed by the sound of cracking ice.

It wasn't as showy as her[Ultimate: (Glacial cascade)]attack but was still a sight to behold. Won't be caught dead saying that to her face though, nope, her head is already as big as it is.

My sentiment for March aside, the final result was nothing short of euphoric.

I watched as the Doomsday Beast's arm blipped a lime color before an ice flower suddenly bloomed on the point of impact, followed by many more and eventually covering the gigantic appendage in frost, freezing it still in place.

I've researched it for the past month, learning exactly how it works and how to use it.

Today, I've utilized it so many times against the antimatter legion I lost count. Hell, I've gotten sick of its signature fresh grassy smell.

But seeing it working on this kind of scale? Enough that it could deal significant damage to abosscalled aDoomsday Beast?

One moment was not enough to wrap my head around it, but the second everything sank in properly, I'm sure I had the biggest, dumbest, most sincere smile right there and then.

Had anyone been paying attention to me, they all would be worried about my mental state, considering I'm smiling like a kid during Christmas right after almost getting pasted by a space dragon.

But right now, I don't care. And why wouldn't I be smiling anyway? It was something so amazing, so grand, that it made me forget about all of the worries and doubts I've been grappling with for the past week.

And best of all it was an achievement, something that can be seen, felt, and most importantly measured by everyone in the Astral Express. My achievement. The result of my hard work and effort. A solid proof that I belong in this universe! That I can survive, fight, and thrive in it!

This was my ability. The reason why I ended up here in the first place. My personal iteration of theDendro element.
The [Essence of Growth],coined by Mr. Welt, and I just used it to its fullest potential. This particular being my bread and butter, [Basic Attack Flame of Forest Leaves)].

I'm using theDendro element to fight a dragon in a space station. I'm as far as I can be from my home, but still, life was good -NAY! This is one of the best days of mylife!

Of course, I also know that my ability was a support element at its core, and I also know that March had put a lot, and I mean A LOT, into that last attack. So the whole thing is indeed a team effort of the 50:50 kind:

"Heck yeah! Did you see that!? That's what you get when you mess with a cute girl! That's right! That was all me!"

I turned to March so fast I'd probably give myself whiplash.

"Oh, as if! That was my buff propping up your attack and you know it!"

Now, I am a sensible person, and I have enough self-awareness to realize that I let my emotions cloud my judgment. Even worse, I ran my mouth and yelled barbed words that I regret.

But then, I saw March turning to me with thesame speed I didand lookingtwice as offended.

Oh hell no. It's even worse than trying to take all of the credit for herself! She really thinks that she did all the work!

I've forgotten all about the Doomsday Beast at that point. Meeting her intense glare head-on and the sparks flying between us showed that neither of us was gonna back down.

"Wanna say that again leaf-breath! Because last time I checked that arm was FROZEN!" March challenged, gesturing at the Doomsday Beast's frozen appendage, which promptly crack before suddenly thawing, but not without the beast suffering damage from the sudden temperature change.

And I replied in earnest immediately. "Gladly! I'll shout it as many times as I need to until you get it through that six-phased ice-shelled thick head of yours! I BUFFED your attack, you wouldn't have been able to do THAT-" I pointed at the limb wrecked by ice "-WITHOUT ME!"

Fortunately, in a routine that we've gotten used to, Dan Heng cut our argument short, pulling our assess out of the fire while he's at it.

"Quit yappingAND DODGE!"

The command was delivered with the usual lack of tact but with a choice of words that was far less sage than usual.

It was still a command from the man, so March and I followed it to the letter without much of a thought, jumping away in opposite directions.
Just goes to show how much we trust the guy, and what happens next only further cements our attitude regarding Dan Heng's timely intervention.

A giant white arm smashed down on the spot March and I were arguing on moments ago, shredding the ground into fine mists of quantum.
Right, the beast has two arms and we've only mobilized one of them. Not counting the two smaller ones 'holding up' the core.

Guess we got too proud of our achievement, thankfully, Dan Heng's warning allowed me and March to avoid the worst of the blow even if the impact still blew us away.

March erected her signature [Skill: (power of cuteness)] shield, an inaccurate name once you get to know her personality, and she was able to land on her feet thanks to said shield mitigating most of the damages

I had it worse though, lacking such a means for defense, falling at the mercy of the wind and small debris, and only finally stopped once I hit the, miraculously, still intact part of the space hangar.

Small mercy since I landed face-first on the floor, hard. But the pain wasn't the worst part. No.

"Hah! Touching grass over there! Or is that how you've been increasing your power!"

I forgot about the hard landing in an instant. Standing up to properly glare at March. "Oh buzz off! It's not like you're dealing any damage anyway!"

My retort prompts the archer's face to turn red as a tomato. The best part was? I was telling the truth. March wasn't our primary striker in this fight…. neither was I for that matter.

Because she was our ringer, buffing us with her ice to shield us from harm's way and keeping our condition fit to continue with the raid. If it weren't for her, we'd be in much worse shape if not outright dead.

As for me, I've been spamming mydendro-esque [growth] element to help increase the damages Dan Heng, Himeko, and our new friend dish out, and I'm proud to say that I've boosted everyone enough that we've cut down our battle duration by half.

In conclusion, the point of my insult was moot on account of hypocrisy, but it still fulfills its purpose of pissing her off.

"Eyes up front you two!"

Dan Heng didn't exactly kill our argument, but March and I still have enough logic, priority, and sense of preservation to turn our attention toward the Doomsday Beast. He wanted us to see that Himeko and Stelle were being productive when March and I were keeping his hands full babysitting our bickering selves.

Himeko was swinging her signature saw blade/suitcase weapon with deadly precision and an unfair amount of ease for someone wearing high heels. Adding more cracks to the already severely damaged core with each strike.

The thing looked like it could fall apart with one more strike, but before she could finish her latest machinations, four black steel-like objects suddenly surrounded Himeko, manifesting out of thin air and exuding a sinister yellow hue, growing brighter and brighter.

She clicked her tongue as the structure turned fully yellow. Himeko leaped backward, with a speed that, again, should be impossible for someone in high heels, just in time to avoid the cube-like attack from smashing her into imaginary blocks.

It was likely a defensive mechanism of the core, though an imperfect one since it could only target one person at a time from the looks of it.

My assumption was validated and proven by Stelle, who rushed in to take Himeko's place, armed with her self-defense article of a space bat that she uses to unleash a powerful swing against the Doomsday Beast's core. Hard enough to cause a smashing sound to resound through the entire section.

It was enough to get even Dan Heng flinching, and I know that my place as the Astral Express's upcoming rookie had now been summarily terminated. It sucks for sure, but Stelle definitely earned her keep with her intensity and ferocity.

But our new friend's mean swing wasn't the most surprising thing. Currently, that was how the Core was still standing even after all that, but I know that this time, for real, we were one good hit away from ending the space dragon.

And Stelle would have done just that if it weren't for the core's last-ditch effort at survival. The same attack that nearly crushed Himeko manifesting and boxing in its current tormentor.

Unfortunately, Stelle's aggressiveness meant that she noticed the foreign objects a second too late. We all winced as she was simultaneously hit from all directions.

And to make matters worse, everyone can see imaginary wisps engulfing Stelle's staggered form once the box vanishes with several black and yellow lines orbiting her entire body, keeping her in place and completely still.

Now that sight was something I was familiar with, which was no good news at all. I always gush about how cool it is to see Mr. Welt use his ability to imprison our enemies, but being at the receiving end of it?

Well, I'm seeing the ironyright now,even if I'm gust to forget about it and go back to liking it once we get over this crisis.

Until then, absolutely hate the thing.

The Doomsday Beast then let loose another sweeping attack with it's damaged right arm. Trying to capitalize on our Stardust Ace's inability to take action.

Luckily Himeko was there to grab and drag Stelle away, and comical as it is to see an elegant lady hoisting a tall girl by the collar like a bag, the two successfully avoided the attack with breathing room to spare.

Coordinated as it is, the damages we dealt to the black limb significantly lowered the speed and destructiveness of the attack. Which is probably why Stelle and Himeko were able to escape unscathed.

That doesn't make it any less impressive, because again, Himeko did all that on friggin heels!? What kind of speed stat does that have cause I don't care about appearance, I want one!

All of that shirts happened in less than ten seconds, and the white arm suddenly started to rumble. Likely planning on returning to guard the core and prompting Dan Heng to bark out his orders.

"March! give Wanima more shields and go back up Stelle and Himeko!" The Cloud Lancer then turned to me. "We're taking that arm down."

The man's command was simple and solid in the best way possible, and we leaped into action doing what we were told. No questions asked.

March and I might be crazy enough to argue in front of a Doomsday Beast, but risking Dan Heng's ire? No, thank you!

"Fine!" March bellowed, sounding disgruntled all the way. "But I'm only doing this because you told me to!"

By 'this'she means giving me another helping of thin yet impossibly durable layer of six-phased ice through her skill. Before I could voice anything, the icy archer had already taken off to assist our main fighting power.

To my credit, I didn't bark out the cliched 'yeah, you better run!' retort.

"For the record, we're not done! I wrecked that arm more!"

That came out instead, and March evidently heard me from how ice flowers suddenly bloomed where she had stepped.

That means that my battle wouldn't be over even after we beat the doomsday beast. Nope, I'd have to jump straight to an argument with her once we're back at the express.

No regrets though. Not even when I was met with Dan Heng's signature look of exasperation and disappointment that screams'Seriously? What are you five?'when I turned to meet the guy.

"Judge all you want. No way in hell I'll let her take all the credit." I muttered.

As always, he responded with a tired sigh, shaking his head and muttering a brutal admonishment: "Childish, both of you." As fast as they came, any trace of emotion left his face, replaced by sheer focus. "Ready?"

My honest answer would be the same as always,'not really', but it wouldn't be me if I didn't hype up myself juuuuuuust a bit.

"Yeah. Let's crush ourselves a giant arm."

Dan Heng responded by breaking into a sprint and I hastily followed him in pursuit of the doomsday beast's left arm. The last couple of weeks of training and simulation kicked in and we paced ourselves so that I overtook Dan Heng by the slightest.

Once I got close enough to our target I begin spinning my short spear with both hands by my side, my weapon glowing green in response to my action and turning brighter with every spin.

"Here goes!" Knowing I've mustered enough force, I finished the spin and let loose an upward slash, causing roots and vines adorned by thorns to burst out from where my weapon briefly slashed the floor. Unleashing a verdant trail racing towards the doomsday beast's left arm with speed exceeding my own.

This was my[Skill: Overgrowth of Creeping Weeds], basically a charged-up version of my earlier attack.

The emerging botanical construct reached Dawn's Left Arm, and sure enough as well as to my pride, the green effortlessly coiled itself around the giant appendage and won't stop growing until it covered the whole appendage. And it only took a couple of seconds!

"Hit it!"

Through action, not words, Dan Heng and his cloud-piercer answered. Striking the Doomsday beast's immobilized arm with three precise and deadly strikes carrying the fury of a storm.

I recognized the attack, I've seen it twenty-something times during coordination practice, Dan Heng's[Skill: Cloudlancer Art: Torrent].

Like last time, the combination of my buff and my teammates' attack resulted in the devastation of the enemy. Starting with a lime-colored blip that this time morphed into a vortex of wind, ripping and shredding the appendage into a sorry state.

I grinned as the arm that had nearly smashed me into a pancake half a dozen times loudly cracked and crumbled. Falling unceremoniously to the floor. Even with the logical part of my head pointing out that it now radiated a dangerous amount of quantum, I'll still argue that our handiwork looks cool and satisfying.

It was a timely one too as another loud cracking sound followed, coming from the opposite side of the railway.

Turning towards the source, Dan Heng and I saw the Doomsday Beast's right arm in a downed and battered state. It looked it the appendage was impossibly burned and frozen at the same time. No doubt courtesy of Himeko and March if their distance from the broken limb was an indicator.
More importantly though…

"Alright, concrete proof and eyewitness! If March asks, we destroy our target first!" I quickly declared, earning yet another tired sigh from Dan Heng.
Nonetheless, all of us felt that this was it, we were winning. All that's left is to destroy the core.

"RAAAAAAHHHH!"

A wrathful streak of black, yellow, and gray beat us to it, roaring all the while with a bat in hand.

Just in time, our[Ultimate: Stardust Ace]has recovered, and she won't stop until she makes her payback in full.

In a perfect display of athleticism and coordination, Stelle leaped above the Doomsday Beast's core and swung her bat downward. The weapon smashing against the Antimatter engine with enough force to send a shockwave and causing all of us to cringe.

You really don't wanna mess with this girl. Hell, we've probably done the universe a favor by giving her a self-defense bat instead of literally any other weapons.

Anything else and she'll probably be the second coming of Nanook. Dunno why, but that comparison just felt apt.

Sure enough, spider-web crack began to spread from where Stelle's bat made contact before the construct shattered it into wisps of lights. With but one swing, our Ace have destroyed the core completely.

The Antimatter Engine had been destroyed and the monster froze. Then it started to lurch forward.

"Oh crud!"

Just like that, the Doomsday Beast fell, slamming against the hangar's interior with a thud that probably rocked the entire space station… and almost smashing all of us with it.

Thankfully, but I still hate to admit it, March's shield ensures the flying debris won't hurt us, allowing the leniency to stare at our downed foe, lying prone on the space hangar floor, with its head-like core COMPLETELY EXPOSED!

"NOW! Strike with everything you've got!" Himeko commanded, throwing her suitcase with a spin, the contraption unfurled mid air, revealing its true drone buzzsaw appearance in all of its deadly whirling glory.

The weapon crashed against the core, the high frequency edge tearing the Doomsday Beast a new one.

That prompted the rest of us into action, Stelle first, hitting down the core with a vengeance-fuelled vertical swing, smashing it against the floor HARD.

I was able to press on the attack with my[Basic Attack: Forest Flame Leaves], with March 7th and Dan Heng following suit, a localized ice storm hitting the head soon after, and Stelle's vengeful physical ultraviolence completing the rest of the work.

That was everything we've got and then some. More than enough to wreck the Doomsday Beast's proverbial last leg.

It suddenly jolted backward, taking its entire weight off the space platform and nearly tripping all of us because of the shift (March actually fell, and I saw it happened, hah!).

The lifeless body then serenely drifted away into outer space in solemn silence….

…Or so I wished.

"Oh you've gotta be kidding me…"

One second the thing was on death's door, but a second later, after wisps of quantum and imaginary energy, the Doomsday Beast looked as good as new. Himeko clicked her tongue and what she said next was not good news, no sir, not at all.

"It regenerated."

Yeah, that unfortunately explains everything. Of course the thing just had to have a super regeneration to ensure a phase two of the boss fight.

And as if understanding the 'narrative' The Doomsday Beast slammed its hand against the railing, shaking the whole place before letting out an enraged roar that carries an intense wave of quantum and imaginary energy, standing right back up metaphorically.

Now, I don't speak antimatter, but even I can tell that the thing was pissed.

Also did I mention that it's called a Doomsday Beast? I might have mentioned it a couple of times already BUT HOLY SHIRT IT REALLY DESERVES THE NAME! AND IS THAT A GIGANTIC HALO ON ITS BACK!? ISN'T ITS SIZE BIBLICAL ENOUGH ALREADY!?

"March! Replenish everyone's shield!" Himeko commanded, the urgency in her voice and its volume startling all of us.

"Hurry while its still charging!"

The follow-up forces March into action, her hands tremble at the suddenness and direness of it all, but she still does as commanded as a blue and pink light softly envelops all of us.

Just in time too as the Doomsday Beast pushed itself off the space station, crossing its arm and flapping its wings to propel itself upward. Once high enough, the wings furled inward to cover its entire body, all the while its marking started to glow bright blue.

Then, in a flash, it unfurled. The wings and the arms, in one mighty motion, the Doomsday Beast just…bloomed.

For a moment, nothing happened, then, a bright spot of light formed in front of it, then another, and another, and another, and…. Oh heck….

At that point we were star-deer frozen in front of a speeding spacecraft's headlight, and everything turned blindingly bright as it registers that we're about to get hit by a bunch of supercharged quantum/imaginary lasers.

Of course, at that point, I was already hit by said high-densityquantum/imaginaryradiation, and as the sheer brightness blinded me, I was flung back to the beginning of it all.

It all started on a dark and stormy night that, as always, involved a forum chat between people who had too much time in their hands.

XxXxX

ErlanggSIOC Presents

Space-bound Sapling

An Honkai Star Rail Self-Insert

Chapter 1:Trailblazers + Verdure

XxXxX

ErlanggSI+OC: So like I was saying, it's almost perfect, Star Rail I mean, it's just missing that one element I love, literally speaking.

AlwaysSunny: You've been saying that for a while now dude, hell you're just spamming that homelander meme at this point. The game ain't even out yet.

Psychic=Kuriko: Eh I kind of get where he's coming from, nothing beats playing that one element you really like, especially if it's not included in the classic big four.

ErlanggSI+OC: Right!? I like Genshin Impact as much as the next guy, but I never really vibe with the world, you know. Not to dig at fantasy or anything, but I'm the kind of guy who picks Star Wars over LOTR in a heartbeat!

AlwaysSunny: Yeah now that part I get, even if I don't agree with ya. Fantasy all the way baby

ErlanggSI+OC: Yeah, it's just personal preference and there's nothing wrong with that. Also, an all-paid trip all across the galaxy? Who wouldn't be hyped about that

Psychic=Kuriko: Across the Galaxy, definitely. All-paid? Now where did you hear that part from?

ErlanggSI+OC: I mean a man can dream that he can go wherever the stars can take him without worrying about the cost.

AlwaysSunny: Lol now that's what I call fantasy, even for a medieval buff like me. Anyway, you were saying something about plants?

ErlanggSI+OC: It was Dendro Element, but yea, I was saying that Star Rail is one step away from being the perfect game for me. Unfortunately, that particular element didn't carryover from Genshin Impact

Psychic=Kuriko: Yeah, I noticed they did get the physical element from HI3 tho, which is pretty neat.

AlwaysSunny: That's Mihoyo for you, it ain't plagiarism if you're ripping off yourself.

ErlanggSI+OC: Huh, didn't know about that one, you guys play Honkai Impact?

Always Sunny: Cute girls punching the shit out of monsters, do you even need to ask? Full disclosure I'm mostly there to ogle at Otto tho. If evil, why hot Hoyo!?

Psychic=Kuriko: And they look good doing it, that's the best part, it's also where they start with the flame, lightning, and ice element as far as I know.

ErlanggSI+OC: Really? I always thought that they ripped that one from Final Fantasy if not Pokemon

AwaysSunny: Yeah, it's hella rare that a series puts ice and water as a core element. Now that I think about it, I think I remember one of my Genshin mutual taking one look at Star Rail and going 'Nope' mainly because they don't have Hydro

Psychic=Kuriko: Same here, a guy I know keeps going about 'Navia will make Geo great again', so I guess you're not the only element nut out there

ErlanggSI+OC: Oh yeah, Geo and Hydro also didn't make the cut, instead there's Imaginary and Quantum. Both are also from Impact I assume?

AlwaysSunny: Yep, and you can only get it if you're a part of the main character gang or Durandal, she's just built different

Psychic=Kuriko: fr fr, they've added more character since tho

ErlanggSI+OC: Man that sounds wild, unfortunately never gonna check it out tho, I'm on a strict one gacha game for life policy

AlwaysSunny: Aw really, you're missing out on great characters and one of the best stories out there

ErlanggSI+OC: The only thing I know is that Himeko died, learned that one from Star Rail forum, and that her death seems to be a recurring theme?

Psychic=Kuriko: I mean, that streamlines it a lot, but not wrong, honestly. Anyway, that's a good policy, especially if you don't want to fall into the gacha hell hole

AlwaysSunny: Lore accurate more like it, but uh we're getting a bit too out of topic, we were talking about Honkai Star Rail before all this

ErlanggSI+OC: Eh, honestly we're not missing too much. Bottom line is, I love Star Rail's prospect and will play the game when it comes out, but it's a shame that they don't have my favorite element, Dendro

Psychic=Kuriko: Heh, I think I get it, it's the same thing for me and Persona 5's psychokinesis element. I dread the day Atlus is going to announce the next game only to remove it, please don't do it Atlus!

AlwaysSunny: Huh guess everyone has that one thing they like too much

ErlanggSI+OC: Oh please, you talking like you don't have one Sunny

AlwaysSunny: Hey, you're the one making this overly vague, starting this whole convo. And how much like are we even talking about

Psychic=Kuriko: That is a good question, how much do you like Dendro ErlanggSI+OC? Man writing your name is a handful

ErlanggSI+OC: it's not hard once you get used to it, just gotta hold the shift when you got to the SI+OC part, anyway I'm drawing a blank on describing how much I like Dendro. Like, I'd start playing any games immediately if they have something like it, I guess?

Psychic=Kuriko: Huh, like you'd always pick the grass starter? Or prefer digimon that has a plant-like appearance? Cause like, I know Rosemon and Lotosmon, and if so, GOOD CHOICE

ErlanggSI+OC: Yes but no? Like, I specifically look for games where I could use the Dendro element, not proxy or extension. I do always pick the Grass starter tho, Treekco best starter

AlwaysSunny: Oddly specific but I kind of get it. So it's a power that's only worth it if you can use it 'yourself', gotcha

Psychic=Kuriko: I legit would commit crime for Caitlin, Olympia, or Tulip, I mean, have you seen them! And Sabrina! Oh dear Arceus, SABRINA, just tell me who she wants to murder and I'll FUCKING DO IT!

ErlanggSI+OC: Eyo, that escalated quickly, totally understandable tho, some waifus are to die for, even more, preferable if it's someone else doing the dying

AlwaysSunny: definitely took a turn right there, but I think I got the gist, and now its time for good old Isekai!

ErlanggSI+OC: Come again?

Psychic=Kuriko: Where did that come from?

AlwaysSunny: Pretty simple, if you two were to be isekai-ed, would you pick the powers you talk about as you cheat?

ErlanggSI+OC: Huh…

Psychic=Kuriko: Oh that's a definite yes from me

:ErlanggSI+OC: Well someone's fast, like damn, gonna need some time to think about this one

AlwaysSunny: Lol, even though you're the one who talks about Dendro for hours

ErlanggSI+OC: Hey lay off me man this and that are different, being Isekai-ed, I mean. Not gonna lie I would have jumped on that train in a heartbeat a couple of days ago, but I've just got a job

ErlanggSI+OC: TLDR, Life's good right now, so I dunno about throwing away all of that

Psychic=Kuriko: Couldn't relate, currently swamped with college work, would pay to be literally anywhere else

AlwaysSunny: The opposite for me, got a steady job that pays the bills. Nothing I love or hate too much, and it gives me enough free time to pursue my interests, such as chatting in this thread

Psychic=Kuriko: Damn winner in life! Go explode! I have multiple papers due and barely any penny to my name!

ErlanggSI+OC: Oh man, I can't remember the last time I had an assignment due, the whole thing with my thesis and revision was a blur

Psychic=Kuriko: Yeah, yeah, rub it in my face, wouldn't you! Anyway, how bout you Sunny, what's your Isekai go-to power? And make it hyper-specific like mine and Erlangg's

AlwaysSunny: Hoho, don't think you caught me with my pants down, I've got the gun loaded with that one for ages now

ErlanggSI+OC: Well don't just keep us waiting, what is it?

AlwaysSunny: Gotta be the Sun Flame from Katekyo, oh and another thing, you guys familiar with Tokusatsu? Specifically the latest Ultra entry, Ultraman Arc.

Psychic=Kuriko: I have no idea what either of those two is

ErlanggSI+OC: I know both, it's the yellow flame that the boxing guy used? Something about stamina and healing iirc?

AlwaysSunny: His name is Ryohei, the GOAT, and the correct terminology is activation, here's the quote:

AlwaysSunny: Sun flame enhances bodily function, blood flow, cell regeneration, etc to the point that the user's body heals as well as moves faster and better, think of an allurpose vitality buff

Psychic=Kuriko: Sounds support oriented tho, though you are one of those fans of OP healer isekai then

AlwaysSunny: Naw man I hate those with a passion, which is why I'd mix it with the newest boxing glove of Ultraman Arc's Solis Armor to make me a certified, quite literal, flash tank

ErlanggSI+OC: Yooooo fellow Arc enjoyer, been here since it was Captain Gento transforming into Blazar but Yuuma's been pretty neat too, either way, Ryohei's the GOAT

AlwaysSunny: The one and only, I mean, imagine having that kind of raw power and the kit that makes you tougher, it'll be simple and effective, and most importantly, it avoids dem cliched shadowy Isekai power

Psychic=Kuriko: Googled Ultraman Arc and found the wiki, and it says something about making you three times stronger but halving your speed? Also specifically prevents you from flying and shooting beams apparently, which is really oddly specific. Regardless, that armor looks sick.

ErlanggSI+OC: Never forget that Tokusatsu has the weirdest power system, still that's a slick look even if you lose the most important moveset for an Ultraman.

AlwaysSunny: It does hurt me not being able to fire beams and lasers as an Ultraman fan, but it's still a fair trade-off. I fully agree on the appearance front tho, although I'd want to look like Record of Ragnarok's Apollo like if I do get to be isekai-ed into an anime

AlwaysSunny: It'll still be on brand, you know, with the whole boxer and sun aesthetic and all.

ErlanggSI+OC: Oh we're adding appearance too now? That actually sweetens the deal by a lot

AlwaysSunny: Eh, I'm answering reflexively since Kuriko start bringing up looks, but since we're talking about a new life and identity then might as well add the bonus fantasy of becoming an Anime character

Psychic=Kuriko: If that's allowed, I'm obviously going with my namesake, Saiki Kuriko from Saiki Kusuo's Sai Nan! The champion of all gender-bent waifu!

Psychic=Kuriko: As for abilities, honestly, I'd want all of Saiki's ability but that'll make it too much of a power fantasy, so yours truly will balance it with Fumihiko Takaba's Comedian to make herself a faithful adaptation of Saiki Kusuo as a comedy manga!

ErlanggSI+OC: Yooooo nice, best girl in the series by far and you're coupling it with the hilarious modifier of the Goat!

ErlanggSI+OC: So like, you'll be able to manifest all kinds of Psychic powers, but only as long as you think it'll funny?

Psychic=Kuriko: Got it in one! Though rather than funny, it'll probably be more like I need to focus? Cause you know, humor is subjective and all that.

AlwaysSunny: I have no idea who those two are, but it sounds solid, you're the only one left Erlangg what's your isekai persona and ability

ErlanggSI+OC: Man, give me a second, it's not like I spend every passing moment preparing for this

Psychic=Kuriko: Oh please, you're not a college student if you don't fantasize about getting isekai-ed while being swamped with work

AlwaysSunny: I'd say that that's more of an anime fan rather than college, but the general sentiment of wanting to get away from everything is something that everyone will feel at one point in life

Psychic=Kuriko: You mean, reject humanity, return to monke?

AlwaysSunny: I was thinking more of abandoning human society and living in a secluded forest/mountain, being reliant on nature without going feral

Psychic=Kuriko: Too much bring-work monke for me it is

AlwaysSunny: Lol, mood. Come on Erlangg we're waiting

ErlanggSI+OC: Sod off, I'm going with the dendro element

Psychic=Kuriko: like that's surprising, what about your avatar

ErlanggSI+OC: Wanna be tall and sharp but never a protagonist, so I'm going with Green from Akame Ga Kill Zero

AlwaysSunny: Who is that even?

Psychic=Kuriko: Hold on a sec, google rn

Psychic=Kuriko: Damn talk about plain and simple, there really are all sorts of taste out there

ErlanggSI+OC: Also I want to add a buff ability to the Dendro power, like giving extra elemental damage when someone else follows up my attack with their own element

AlwaysSunny: Now that one I know, basically Genshin's elemental reaction rite?

ErlanggSI+OC: Something like that, if someone hits the enemy affected by my element, then the effect will be enhanced

Psychic=Kuriko: Huh, so we got a specialist (me), a fleshy offensive tank (Sunny), and a buffer/debuffer (Erlangg), just need a couple of dedicated offensive and defensive roles and we'll make a well:balanced DnD party

ErlanggSI+OC: NOW THAT is what I call genuine fantasy, everyone knows that all DnD parties are a group of unbalanced murder hobos

AlwaysSunny: Word! Was a fun chat tho, and it's nice to dabble in this kind of idea every once in a while

Psychic=Kuriko: Says you, I'd kill someone to get Isekai-ed for real with this setup

ErlanggSI+OC: Wouldn't go that far honestly, and considering how cookie cutter isekai world is, I'd read on the fine print on WHERE we're getting sent, dream powers or not

AlwaysSunny: That is the grown-up way to look at it, yes

ErlanggSI+OC: Oh, but if it's into the world of Star Rail? I'll board that train in a heartbeat

Psychic=Kuriko: I'd go anywhere if it means I can do psychic stuff as Kuriko, it'll be a dream come true

AlwaysSunny: Aww look at you two thinking of your first Isekai

Psychic=Kuriko: Bitch, you're the one who came up with this

ErlanggSI+OC: And the first one to jump on the train to boot, don't act all like you're innocent

AlwaysSunny: Yeah, who am I kidding, I've done enough with my life that I'd take any offer if it means living my power fantasy

ErlanggSI+OC: It says here that overusing Sun Flame could lead to cellular death, that sounds like a painful way to go tho

AlwaysSunny: Then it's a risk that I will have to and am willing to take

Psychic=Kuriko: You know what, I feel ya, also, mad respect for that dedication

ErlanggSI+OC: It's interesting for sure, as common as Isekai is as a trope, I think we're onto something unique

*Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy has joined the chat*

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: How do you do fellow Hoyoverse enjoyer

AlwaysSunny: Doing fine totally not Hoyoverse spy

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: (๑˃́ꇴ˂̀) I have no idea what you're talking about

Psychic=Kuriko: Well that ain't sketchy

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: ヾ(＾:＾)ノYes, I am not sketchy and am the very definition of legit

ErlanggSI+OC: I'd say that you're doing great to look the part so far

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Anyway you three had a very interesting talk! It sounds exciting (╯✧ ∇ ✧)╯

ErlanggSI+OC: Did you just ignore me, ah whatever, it's an open thread anyway

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Three characters! Three unique elements, but all still related to Hoyoverse! What a coincidence (≧∀≦)

ErlanggSI+OC: Wait all three? I know that Dendro comes from Genshin but what about Sunny and Kuriko's things?

Psychic=Kuriko: I think he's talking about the psychic type as a battlesuit from Impact. For me that is

AlwaysSunny: And I guess that'll put me in the Biologic battlesuit type? I mean, it kind of makes sense thematically

Psychic=Kuriko: Yeah, that actually checks out, honestly we'll be doing good representation too since the battlesuit got mixed up sometimes

Psychic=Kuriko: I mean they classify Aponia, a legitimate psychic, as a Biologic battlesuit type

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Correct ( ๑ ˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و you three are really fast on the uptake

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Anyway, can I use your ideas, it's exactly what I am looking for

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Truth to be told I'm very close to a deadline and am only halfway done with this project

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: And what you guys just talk about are exactly what I needed!

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Please-please can I ask for all of your help? You guys are my only hope (_)

ErlanggSI+OC: Uh sureeee, I mean if you really need it that bad I don't mind.

Psychic=Kuriko: Same here, fire away!

AlwaysSunny: And I don't mind makes three, so we're all good

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ thank you very much! You guys are lifesavers!

ErlanggSI+OC: Whatchu need it anyway, you writing a story for work or something? Worldbuilding for unique elements?

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Then can I also take your agreement as a willingness to volunteer? I promise you it won't cost you anything!

ErlanggSI+OC: Damnit ignored again, but whatevs, I'm doing a good deed so go for it

AlwaysSunny: When you put it that way, we have nothing to lose

Psychic=Kuriko: Says you two, I'd like to get paid or something, god knows I need it as a broke ass college student!

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: I don't know about the payment, but I hope to make your dream come true counts as a reward（‐＾▽＾‐）

AlwaysSunny: Come again?

ErlanggSI+OC: What does that even mean?

Psychic=Kuriko: Wait so I AM getting paid, cause I really want to eat out after so long

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Please wait for a moment (◕‿◕)

*H.R.O.B. appoints ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]*

*H.R.O.B. appoints AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]*

*H.R.O.B. appoints Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]*

Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]: The hell is that?

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Ngl, mine sounds wrong

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Oh fuck, guys read the initial

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: HROB? Is that supposed to mean something

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Without the H

Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]: That's ROB, is that supposed to mean anything

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Oh shit, Hoyoverse got a R.O.B. in their payroll

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Haha, it's the other way around actually. I make sure that they prosper and in exchange, they come up with fun ideas that I 'adapt' every now and then (^_^)

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Considering Honkai Impact's story, I'll have to push X to doubt that one

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Dude come on don't piss him off

Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]: Hey uh I still don't get it, what does R.O.B. means?

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Well according to a specific slang, it stands for Random Omnipotent Being, and considering my capability, that's an apt way to put it (＾ω＾)

Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]: Well shits fucked then

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Quoting the R.O.B. in the room, that's an apt way to put it (＾ω＾)

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Haha, that's the spirit! ( ᴗ ) just keep your chin up and enjoy the ride!

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: And I'm more than happy to help you three live up to your fantasy (｀･ω･´)ｂ

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Wait, don't tell me… Dendro, Bio, and Psy stuff…..

Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]: YO FOR REAL!? LESGOOOO

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Okay if this is for real, then its hype as fuck. But uh, what's the catch?

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Haha, I knew you guys were sharp! As for said catch, well it's already decided where you three will be going, though considering what one of you said it is more of a bonus than it is a dealbreaker ヽ( ･∀･)ﾉ

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: NO WAY STAR RAIL!?

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Yup:yup! And now all of the prep work is donezo! I'd say fasten your seatbelt, but let's be honest, a safety bar would be more appropriate considering the speed you're going (^ : ^*)/

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Wait wait, as awesome as this is, don't we have the choice to accept or reject

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: I mean it's a definite dream come true for me! But I'd like to think about it more!

Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]: I DON'T LET'S GET IT ON!

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Dang it, Sunny do something!

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Am I right to assume that we're also getting de:aged to the same age as our avatar?

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Of course! That's how it goes with these things anyway, it's the law (・▽・)／

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Though, for ErlanggSI+OC seems to be fine staying 2*, which honestly, I respect (^_^)

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Yeah, that's all I need to hear. Sorry, dude but you're getting outvoted 2 to 3

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Fuuuuuuck, come on I just got a job and haven't even started!

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Just think of this as your dream job! I mean isn't this everything you wanted anyway? ο（´ ･ω･｀o)

ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: I mean you're not wrong but:

*ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert] has left the conversation*

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Oh goodie the process has already started! (＾▽＾)

Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert]: Me next! Me next! Yeaaaaaaaaa:

*Psychic=Kuriko [Psy:Insert] has left the conversation*

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Welp that makes me the last one then, are we up for a rough landing?

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Nothing of the sort, just teleportation, though you might throw out your dinner if you hadn't digested them fully, but what can you do ¯\_(ツ)_/

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: Alrighty then, guess that's it for me. Are we gonna hear more from you when we get there?

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Yes, more than you thought but not that much, I'd be contacting you through your standard:issued IPC smartphone. That'll be on your person with infinite interstellar roaming, free of charge (＾▽＾)v

AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert]: LOL, should've told those two before you teleported them

*AlwaysSunny [Bio:Insert] has left the conversation*

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: And that makes six! I almost didn't believe it! Looking for the first three took ages, didn't expect for the final half to fall onto my lap like that! (｀∇´ )

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Oh, y'all are still here? Sorry, but there's nothing else here. Except for the fine print that all parties involved agreed to take my offer, technically speaking anyway (* ≧艸≦ )

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: But hey…

( ⊙ ‿⊙)

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: What else are you expecting from a R.O.B. not all of us are bastards, but we're still as whimsical as your average Greek deity!（ ´∀｀）

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: With that said, enjoy the show from the cast that's been gathered, already revealed, and otherwise! I know I will, peace out! ∠(^ー^)

*Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy has left the conversation*

XxXxX

"So yeah, that's about everything that had happened and this is what, the third time I'm repeating it?"

I asked myself, already knowing the answer. Repeating events in my head, pinpointing the severe mistake leading to my current problems, and wallowing in how it could all have been avoided was my coping mechanism, redundant as it was, I'm not about to change it now.

"Okay, I know that this isn't my fault let alone something stoppable, we're talking about a Random Omnipotent Being after all."

Yeah, this was the machinations of a R.O.B. After all, nothing someone like me could ever hope to stop. Heck, considering how some stories go, I really pulled the long end of the stick.

"Cold comfort as that is, I just got a job! Just a week away from starting too!"

Of course, that wasn't the reason I was angry, but at the top of my head, it was the safest answer. Any other musing would send my head straight to the worst recess of my mind palace, and I can't afford to go there, not right now.

"Only gonna do that once I'm sure I'm in the clear, yes sire. I deserve at least that much!"

All things considered though, I'm doing fairly well for someone who's just plucked out of his home by a deity and was thrown into the middle of nowhere. I manage to keep myself moving and busy while looking for a secure location for a shelter without breaking down... yet.

"Though this place has been nothing but accommodating…."

Case and point I haven't broken into a sweat despite walking for half an hour now, thanks to the combination of vegetative all around, the trees provided a cool shade without blocking the light too much, so my vision wasn't hindered in any way.

The other point of comfort was the grass and flowers, the latter added sprinkles of color preventing the endless greenery from becoming too monotone and the former keeping the ground relatively soft and unnaturally clean.

All things considered, I feel like I'm walking in a fully air-conditioned mall.

"And I'm not gonna look at a gift horse in the mouth…"

Just as I said that a smell that's neither pine nor grass tickles my nose, followed by the steady sound of…

"Flowing water!" I immediately broke into a run, bolting toward the source of the smell and sound. Sure enough, I found myself in front of a stream not long after.

"Oh-oh holy crap, alright don't be too hasty, gotta check if it's clean."

Despite the reasonable caution, I felt like an idiot for saying those things out loud, mainly because one look at the stream revealed it to be the cleanest body of water I've ever seen. Hell, the water would've been invisible hadn't they been flowing, it's just that clear.

In fact, the whole place was fricking picturesque. Seriously, it's like someone looked up the concept of clear spring from a children's picture book and somehow copied and pasted it into reality.

I swallowed, a sudden thirst now scratching the back of my throat.

"Welp, guess we're not going for uber realistic Isekai then." Shrugging with those words and realizing that it's not like I can check whether or not the water was toxic, I swooped up some of the water with both hands.

THAT was the best decision I made all day so far.

Some people would name Coffee or Tea as their choice of beverage with me being the former, but right there and then, I finally understand the aberrant who carries around a bottle of water wherever they go.

There was no room for doubt, this is the best water I've ever drank and tasted in my entire life. Others don't even come close!

So I kept drinking until my thirst was gone, which took a couple of more gulps. As soon as I finished, my legs turned to jelly and I fell onto my rear, letting out a relieved sigh, the first one I let loose ever since I got here….

"What the hell…."

R.O.B., Honkai Star Rail, me getting Isekai-ed….

"I don't even know whether I'm dreaming or not."

One moment I was just chatting away my fantasy, the next, I was walking through an unknown woods. It didn't happen in a flash like with other isekai, and honestly, with the lack of trucks involved, I've already won the lottery in regards to 'How' I get transported to another world.

"Is this what they call to be careful what you wish for? No wait!?"

There were a couple of other things that I hadn't checked, the reason I was sent here in the first place as a part of that thing's promise. One of which stared back at me in the face as I glanced at the crystal-clear water.

The face that was the very definition of an unassuming young man, though striking because of his mint-colored hair and lime-green eyes.

"...Nah… its really my face….isn't it…?"

I stood up to get a better look at 'myself' finding a body significantly taller and lankier than my original one, waaaaay healthier too, at least from what I was feeling.

Not wanting to look at myself for too long, I hastily stood up and turned around.

"Yeah looking at it too long is gonna give me an identity crisis for sure." Heck, I'm seconds away from wondering whether I'm a small animal who got implanted by a god in hiding's memories after an explosion in a classroom or a template homunculus body injected with someone's mind.

Yep, really gotta avoid that, therein lies madness. "So it's much better if I focus on 'that' instead."

I was going through a mood whiplash with this for sure, but the thought of me having a superpower got me to chin up. The only question left is, how do I use it?

I twist my head around, making sure that there are no prying eyes because this gonna look chuuni and embarrassing as hell.

"Alright, time for trial and error." I flexed my finger, popped my neck, and got to work.

My first attempt amounted to naught, as nothing happened when I swung my arm or performed other gestures and such (as for what kind, don't ask). Instead, I found out that this body is very athletic, performing feats like flipping and handstand like it was nothing, even if I found myself out of breath seconds later.

"Alright…" I wheezed while rapidly inhaling. "So it looks like my base status went up a lot, but everything else is still 'me'."

So working on my stamina would be another important thing to do, that, and learning how to use a weapon. I still haven't decided what I'll use though. Am I going to go full realism and pick up a laser pistol, or should I just fuck it and look for a glaive and cutlass?

After all, I'm someone who got isekai-ed, what's the point of logic and reasoning in front of the rule of cool?

"No-no-no, I'm getting ahead of myself, that's a bad habit…but for sure gotta learn how to use one of those." It's for survival purposes, after all, so shelve it for later I guess.

Now it was clear that my power doesn't have a physical trigger, either that or they're at a level where it's unneeded.

"Which it's something from the inside, like harnessing cursed energy, maybe?"

'Something' that comes from the inside, best used as a fuel for 'something else', vague as it is, that analogy is the best that I can come up with right now. I'll leave it to a mentor figure to figure out how to better put it into words.

Not fretting about it too much, I closed my eyes and started 'looking for it', and to my delight, quickly found the unexplainable 'something' gathering in my stomach. With a bit of a thought, it responded, and I can feel myself getting a sense of 'controlling it'.

Testing it a bit more, I was able to mold the 'thing' and flow it out onto my arm, and then…

"Hup!" I swung my right vertically, unleashing a blade of green that flew forward, leaving behind a trail of leaf-like wisps. The projectile only stops after hitting a tree, after which the plant begins to glow neon-green, blipping the same color a couple of times before the light dissipates.

"Huh, was that an elemental reaction?"

When speaking of Dendro elements, one will also bring up the elemental reaction of bloom and aggravate, which is what occurs when my ability comes into contact with water and electricity.

"But we're in Star Rail, will the reaction even stay the same or be different? Then there are also new elements like Imaginary, Quantum, and Physical…Oh, man."

I hate the R.O.B. who dragged me here, that's for sure, but I can't help but get excited at the prospect that this world has for the Dendro-no-that this world has for MY power!

"Then all that's left is to practice and master my ability until the crew…comes…"

And just like that my stomach dropped, because I had just remembered one crucial detail, the core of Star Rail's setting that I had taken for granted.

This was a journey spanning entire galaxies, with a background consisting of solar systems at the very minimum.

And what does that say about a planet?

Well, because this is a gacha game, it's very likely that every story arc will focus on one planet at a time, or hop around one or two max though that likely spells an unfortunate planet of the hats situation…

What brought me worry was the implication, specifically because of the vastness that is Star Rail's world…. And how it wouldn't translate in comparison to reality.

No matter how much I praise it, there are bound to be planets that we'll only ever hear of, maybe even see but never visit… and what if I ended up on such a planet?

What if I ended up becoming stranded on an unknown planet that I know nothing about?

Immediately my mind went on overdrive, fabricating countless worst-case scenarios.

What if this planet doesn't have space travel? Hell, what if this planet doesn't have technology period!?

That's not even the worst of it, forget the planet, where even am I!? Am I in a region? Is there ANY civilization nearby!?

….Are there even humans living on the planet….how big is a planet anyway…?

…could you spend your whole life globe-trotting and still end up not meeting a single soul…

…..

…..

…..

…..

…..

I honestly didn't know what happened next. It can be summarized as a mental BSOD, but for me everything was too blurry to even be recounted. What I can be sure of, was that a LOT of screaming and crying were involved.

By the time I 'came back' so to speak, I was parched and hungry, both were quickly taken care of by the stream and the fruits growing in the nearby tree.

I didn't even bother worrying about poison and whatnot (not that I ever did), it's the least of my problems now.

"...And it's not like I can even hope of dealing with the bigger ones fudgeeeeee….."

Yeah, there's no way I can do even half the stuff Senku does, let alone facilitate space travel. Adding to that I don't know if I can communicate with this planet's native. And that's even assuming they're friendly, heck, I don't know if they'd even resemble humans at all.

And even then, this was with the assumption that this planet had inhabitants in the first place.

Hence, I'm effectively and utterly stranded, marooned, whatever you call it that's me.

Before I got into another episode, something vibrated from inside my pant's pocket, causing me to jump up with a too loud yelp.

"The heck, where did that even!?"

Refocusing, I immediately seized the source of vibration, finding what looks like a smartphone on my person and a chat notification from….H.R.O.B…..

With a mix of anxiety and hope I swiped up, unlocking the device and bringing me straight to the chat screen.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Hey there, it's been half a day since I last saw you? How you doin (^_^)

I immediately replied, with a simple set of questions:

:ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Can you replace this phone with a new one? And can you listen to me without chatting?

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Oh answering a question with a question, how exciting（ΦωΦ）

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Well, in that order, yes and yes! ٩(＾◡＾)۶

I promptly exploded into a series of profanities right there and then before throwing the phone as hard and far as I can.

My emotions ran wild, starting with fury and confusion, followed by anger and then sadness at the abruptness of it all. I shouted at the top of my lungs, I swung wildly at anything and everything like a mad man. Trails of green and actual plants blooming in response to my emotional outburst.

I finally got a job. I want to play Honkai Star Rail…. A R.O.B. plucked me out of my universe, away from my family and friends…and I might never see them again…

But even with the risk of sounding repetitive, everything was a blur, all that I knew was that by the end of it, I was panting at the side of the stream with 'my phone' right beside the spot I was sitting on.

Feeling drained and not knowing what else to do, I picked it up and read the new entry coming from my kidnapper.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Wow! That was a pretty long rant! I don't know that you can go that long while shouting ヘ(^o^ヘ)

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Also don't worry about your phone! It's a IPC standard hardware with a lifetime guarantee, so a bit of a tussle won't even scratch it

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: It's also good old waterproof, heat-proof, and just overall sturdy. Heck, I even got you the model that's EMP-proof (・ω)

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: So if it's not too much to ask, maybe you can use it to chat with me instead of shouting at me, please ( 〃．．)

"IT IS too much to hecking ask, you fudging space monster!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.

I mean come on! Don't you realize what you've done!? What you robbed me of!? In response to my outward and inward voice (because of course, this thing's also a mind reader) the chat pinged.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Haha ok fair! You've got every right to be angry sure ヘ(´－｀)ヘ

"But it sure doesn't sound like you get the point!" I loudly roared, earning another ping.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Oh for sure for sure~, I don't really get I mean our scale is juuuuust that different on the existential level ╮(╯∀╰)╭

….Yeah, that's the truth and nothing but the truth….

This things'... Beyond human comprehension and understanding…. To him this whole thing would be like playing with ants….

And by the standard trashy revenge Isekai sub-type, plus a consideration for the cosmic horror as a whole, the fact that this thing is willing to even talk and humor me is as long as pulling the long end of the stick goes.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Eh, no need to go THAT FAR. Sure there are dirtbags that pull people from all over and shove 'em to a place to just see them suffer. But I never get the appeal of that particular genre (●´⌓`●)

"Then what!? I'm supposed to say that I'm lucky because I end up with you instead of them!?"

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Well no, I'm just saying that things could have been much much much worse for you considering OUR standards. I'm not asking you to thank me, just that you'll look at this whole setup as an… alternative career opportunity… （＾ｖ＾）

….As much as I want to refute, that is a valid point. Discounting the situation I was taken from, what I have right now is everything that I ever wanted, and from the sound of it, they didn't just toss me to a random planet, and had already had something in store for me….

….I had been worried over nothing this whole time, being my own worst enemy with my negative thoughts.

Heck, a small part of my brain even whispers that I won't be able to hold my first job, that my only chance to realize the ideal life I desire can only be found here….

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Okay, now tone down the self-depreciation, sheesh. I picked you because you said the right thing at the right time, fitting with the theme I got going at the moment (つ▀¯▀ )つ

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: TLDR you're pretty unique and lucky, that's how it goes over there, and that's how it goes over here, the only question's left is how you gonna use the opportunity right in front of you（〜^∇^ )〜

So I am right, this guy has something planned for me, and he needs my cooperation and enthusiasm, otherwise, his show won't end up a bust.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: YES! EXACTLY! 100 Points! Also, you mind using the phone chat? Pretty please? (❍ᴥ❍ʋ)

And just like, that, my mood swung back to 'fuck this guy', but have enough clarity that ranting against him is just gonna set me back to running around in circle. Thus there was only one thing that I could do, pouring my honest, unfiltered feeling into the chat.

:ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Fudge you, you son of a nice lady

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Haha! I appreciate your straightforwardness! You're already leagues better than some of the guys I'm supporting by miles (=˃ᆺ˂=)

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Anyway, you're in Sylvanus-II

and the Astral Express is gonna visit it around a week from now ٩(＾◡＾)۶

AND THAT WAS THE BOMB, dropped at me out of nowhere because of course, this H.R.O.B. was the type to bury the lead.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Awww, you actually remembered my name~ guess we're on the right track to be best buddy (´ ᴗ｀✿)

My response was typed down by sheer reflex.

:ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: I'm not your buddy, pal, and how do I know you're not lying anyway?

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Now, don't be like that, I did give you the power I promised didn't I ◕‿↼)

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: As for concrete proof, well, I can hook you up with their navigational system, but they'd easily find out that you're peeping on them and that won't look good on your resume wouldn't it ٩(´•⌢•｀ )۶

That's a good point. I sure as hell don't want to come across as a creep to the people that I'll possibly bunk with for a long time, no matter what people say, first impression is still an impression….wait no!

:ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: You're just dodging the question! And I don't need a live feed! Like a confirmed map or log would do!

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Haha, I guess so! But on the same vein wouldn't that mean that I can just as easily fabricate any evidence you're asking ( ノ・・)ノ

….Heck he has a point.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Yup-yup, so either way, whatever I say to you ain't gonna stick unless you trust me and trust doesn't just pop out of thin air, its gotta be earned. Which is why I've set up a give and take for the next week (/ω＼)

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: And no need to worry, what I mean is I'm gonna reach out and chat with you at specific hours. During then I'll answer any question you have. From the planet you're on to anything about the universe ヽ( ▼∀▼)ﾉ

That's…. Not the worst thing there is, at worst he'd be feeding me false intel but on the other hand it could be a major leg up that'll bring me up to speed regarding this world's common sense.

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Oh, that? Nah you don't need to worry about that, we're working with a beacon and an implant that translates everything for everyone, on your ear, everyone's speaking the same language including you! Accent's still a thing tho (❍ᴥ❍ʋ)

Huh, that's good to know? Oddly specific too even if convenient for me. I mean I don't have to learn a new language from scratch and worry about communication barriers. As for the implant part, well… I purposely blocked that part out, not that it mattered.

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Yeah, paradoxically, there's so many planets and civilizations that its impossible to keep track of everything, so there's no exact baseline for 'common sense' ┐(´∀｀)┌

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Everyone can pass off as eccentric here not matter how crazy your are, oh and also, we've got an universal currency too, so there's no need to worry about value either, unless you just happen to land on a planet cut off from the rest of the cosmos (•ㅅ•)

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: By which the IPC will find their way to your civilization and bring you up to speed, economically speaking |･ω･｀)

So capitalism is still a thing even when common sense isn't, and you can't even escape to space to avoid them. Sorry Tim Curry. Nonetheless The names and terminologies piqued my interest, but I got a feeling that going down that rabbit hole will just throw me off my pace right now.

I need distraction, sure, but I also have be self sufficient. And that means figuring out my powers, learning how to fight, get myself armed and…. Making peace with my new reality…

Sighing, I typed down my response, deciding to end my conversation with him on my own terms. It's impulsive as heck… but that's also how I do things…how I ensure myself that I'm still in control.

Even if I come to regret it later, it's still a decision I made by myself for myself.

:ErlanggSI+OC [Dendro:Insert]: Alright, I guess that's it for now, then.

:Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: Gotchu! By the way, I'm gonna stop with the whole mind reading shtick, so after this we'll be communicating by chat only. I'm a good R.O.B. that respects your privacy after all! Laters (‿◦)

A message popped up, stating that my new friend by chat had gone offline, though whether or not he had stopped observing me was up in the air.

And wasn't that a scary thought? Having your 'benefactor' observing you and your thoughts at all times.

I know some Isekai poke fun at it by humanizing the deity, but with any rate of omnipotence and omniscience it's always bound to become like the Truman show in the worst way possible.

And isn't that what's happening to me right now… No wait, don't look a gift horse in the mouth, just… if I pretend it isn't there then it might go away… yeah let's go with that.

I let out a sigh, one that sounded utterly defeated yet grimly determined.

It came out of the blue, it's everything I've ever wanted and the last thing I want to experience; it's an opportunity that only I could have and a disaster that struck only me; it's the means for me to obtain all that I desire that has also robbed me of everything as I know it.

This journey is mine and mine alone… and I'll make it…. One way or another…Not like I have any other choice.

"Alright then, guess what's next is to figure out how much I have in the tank…" I muttered, my hand glowing a shade of neon green.

Time to get back to work…. To my new reality….

XxXxX

After establishing a proper routine, seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

It's a bit jarring how quickly I got used to everything, but it's not like I have any other option for that matter, and the quality of life on this so-called deserted planet certainly helped.

The planet I'm in is called Sylvanus-II. A hospitable place that's a literal forest paradise, completely devoid of danger with only plants for living beings. For the same reason, the whole planet is pollution-free and is abundant with delicious fruits and clean water sources that are safe to drink from.

Hence, food and drink weren't a problem, and with a day-to-day cycle that's pretty similar to Earth, I was able to establish a training schedule that I committed to for once in my life.

My day would start with a workout, which is just me running around till I get tired. After that, I'd spent the rest of the day experimenting with my Dendro power, which was an effective pastime that kept my mind from going to bad places.

After five days, I've completely figured out my new body and I gotta say, this one's miles better than my old one.

It's way more athletic and responsive than anything I've ever imagined, thus it took me some time for my mind to completely sync with it, but once it did hoooo boy.

I need a reminder that I wasn't inside a game because all of a sudden I can pull tons of athletic feats I know I never will be able to in my previous life!

The same thing goes for my Dendro powers, I've more or less figured out that I have a dedicated MP bar that allows me to use it, how much I got in the tank, some basic moves and how much they cost, and how long it takes me to recharge each day and its properties as a support type element.

Starting with the obvious, this ain't Genshin Impact, so no cores don't pop-up whenever I doused something affected by my power with water. Though it lacks the ability to spawn Genshin's signature Dendro Cores, my power instead boosts up the effect of the element that hit the affected target.

For example, I punched a tree after blasting it with my power, resulting in a distinct fist-shaped imprint. A quick follow up instantly confirms that it wasn't my strength, thus I come up with the conclusion above.

Which means, I'm primarily a support character, likely a debuffer that'll give the main cast an easier time whenever they fight.

As for the moves I mentioned, well, just like in Genshin, or at least its lore when it comes to vision, there's no limit to what I can construct with my ability so long as it's plant-based. This ranges from transient neon-green leaves and grass to actual vines, thorns, and even woods large enough to pierce and maim other people, but considering the effect and the cost, it's economical to rely on wave slash for basic attack and limiting myself to a certain construct for a charge attack.

It takes a considerable charge to make them, but their range and their enhanced effect more than makeup for it. They're also aesthetic as fuck, and I'll never get tired of seeing them in action.

So my last next concern would be figuring out my capacity and range, as in creating variations of my technique and refining them so that they're usable in combat. Because there's no doubt that we'll be facing down giant bosses as often as we'll throw down with a bunch of faceless mooks.

"Last but not least… he got social interaction covered…"

I glanced at my phone, looking at yesterday's chat between me and the H.R.O.B.

As promised, he'd start a chat at a specific time every day. As expected of a random omnipotent being though, it quickly grew bored of just talking and started giving me a 'daily quest' to do.

The quests range from me running from one spot to another under a time limit, to just using my powers in a certain way. He even spawned some harmless targets for me to test my power on for 'experience points', mostly small animals/robot things for moving targets that disappeared as soon as I hit them.

In other words, it wanted me to put on a show.

"Nah, that's me being way too charitable, I was a circus animal… can't say that the reimbursement is bad though…."

Because completing those so-called quests is what got me my current wardrobe and weapon.

My clothes are a slightly altered copy of the clothes worn by the Champion of the warriors of the deadly staff from the Shang-Chi comics, consisting of a green sleeveless tangzhuang with mint accent and lime linings instead of gold and yellow and simple black pants.

I've also got a pair of running shoes and a shoulder cape, both of which match the color of my shirt to a T. Sue me, I've got a favorite color and a theme going on. Also, the staff are cool and anyone who says otherwise is heathens.

Adding to that, the house of the deadly staff supposedly represents the wood of the five eastern elements, so it fits well with my Dendro power…. Though technically speaking, I don't even have a staff.

I couldn't help but grin while twirling the weapon in my hand, an Iklwa spear that I'm proud to say I've gotten a good handle on. The pointed blade was once again mint with a lime accent, while the wooden shaft was a familiar shade of dark green wood because, come on, were you expecting anything else at this point?

Regardless of the source though, I've effectively completed the checklist for my isekai starting line, from clothes, and weapons, to basic understanding of my powers. Thinking about it, could it have been its plan from the start?

Instead of being whimsical, this whole place and the 'quest' and 'rewards' were a way for it to get me into a decent shape before the story started…

"No, it doesn't matter what it is, for something like that, a whim and a plan are one and the same. I got rewarded handsomely either way…."

From permanent equipment to general control and understanding of my power, my basic stats should be up for the job, all that's left is to progress the story, gain experience, and get stronger as I move forward.

"And today I'm supposed to be at the starting line…"

That's right, it's been a week since the H.R.O.B. left me stranded here, which means this is the day the Astral Express crew is supposed to land on this planet, Sylvanus-II.

So there I was sitting on a rock, barely able to sit idle and twitching like crazy. I was half-excited because I was about to start my journey and meet the characters of Star Rail in real life.

The bubbling anticipation made me giddy like a kid, enough that I almost forgot about how I was spirited away from everything I knew into a completely foreign, possibly unforgiving, galaxy.

I grimaced at that thought, because as bright and exciting as the best-case scenario is, the worst-case scenario is just… downright depressing.

'What if the H.R.O.B. had been lying to me, all this time?'

Sure going by the entertainment angle it will be in his best interest to get me picked up by the Astral Express crew, adding to that, there's also the quests and rewards that he had given me, likely doubling as an investment to ensure that I'm strong enough to participate in the 'story' once it starts…..

But couldn't he also be doing it to screw me over a second time?

Flipping the chessboard, material stuff does not have a value for a higher being like him, so my new clothes and weapon, or literally anything else for that matter, mean nothing to him.

Time is also the same thing, it might seem like seven days is a long time, but for someone like him, it's undoubtedly just a blink of an eye, as does years and decades for that matter.

That brings me to the last and worst reversal, the entertainment angle. The H.R.O.B. claims that he wants me to take part in the story, to participate in it for shits and giggles regardless of whether or not I changed the plot by any degree. But what if he was lying?

Combine all three and you get the worst con there is, the possibility that the H.R.O.B. had been fattening me up with bribes and feeding me false information to multiply my despair a second time. After all, what can be more devastating than waiting for a train that never comes? And this one travels through space to boot.

Every now and then I'd anxiously pull my phone out and check the chat between me and the H.R.O.B. He'd usually reach out to me around this time, so there I was, staring at the screen waiting for the three dots to appear.

Was I waiting for the location of where the Astral Express crew would land, or a mocking message cruelly confirming I was a fool to believe a whimsical being from a higher dimension?

I couldn't tell. The only thing for sure was that being stuck in the unknown waiting was the worst torture of all.

I sighed before pocketing my phone again, should I train like usual to get my mind off things? That'll distract me enough, and it sure as hell would be more productive than sitting on my ass and twitching in fear.

Then all of a sudden my phone rang, and I swiped it open faster than I ever have.

Sure enough in the chat between me and the HROB, there was one new message, consisting of six simple words.

Hoyoverse Registered Observer Buddy: They're here, have a fun journey!

No cryptic words, no emojis, just a clear message that I understand fully within this context.

They're here, they're finally here, theAstralEXPRESSCREWISHERE!

"Alright-alright, calm down, don't believe in what that thing said without a second thought!"

But even as I said that, I can't stop the excitement brewing inside of me, I mean we're talking about the Astral Express crew! And I get to see them up close!

No even that was underselling it, this isn't me getting to see them up close like with cosplayers at a convention, this is THEM in the flesh, the very same people that I'd be adventuring with.

"No, hold on, they ain't even 'characters' at this point, aren't they? But actual living people like me? No-no-no, I'm getting sidetracked again."

Yeah, this isn't really the time for a moral, philosophical, and metaphysical debate.

Though it WILL become relevant once I've become involved, and hopefully, start traveling with them. Nothing can be more awkward and cringe than treating the living breathing people you're bunking with as fictional characters.

And I'm sure that's a surefire way to burn bridges before any was even built.

Still, I was getting ahead of myself, my current and primary goal is still getting off this 'empty' planet, and to that end, I need to link up with the Astral Express.

Which begs the question, supposing that HROB isn't pulling my leg, where the heck are they?

And the universe answered my question.

A loud noise suddenly filled the place, completely foreign and alien to this planet where there was only grass and leaves rustling in the wind.

I was so used to the silence that the sudden noise reflexively pushed me to hit the ground and look for cover, but my ear eventually adjusted, and I was able to discern 'what' the sound was, or more specifically what it sounded like.

It sounded like a train running on steel tracks.

The recognition pushed me to stand up and look for its source, against the strong gust of wind and the deafening noise coming from above.

But even as my ear hurts and I struggle to stand against the sudden current I can still recognize it, it really is the sound of a train.

And as I looked up to the sky I saw it.

A streak of gold dashed through the air, like a shooting star sailing through the horizon, a mass of steel running on the eponymous, nearly invisible, Star Rail.

I saw it, I'm seeing it, right there above the clouds, it's really real!

Flying right above me was the Astral Express. And I'm about to board it and start on my adventure!

My heart was beating with excitement and I was smiling from ear to ear. Dare I even say, this easily makes up for my past week of suffering.

I definitely had a recency bias here, but learning to live and enjoy the moment is a necessary skill to keep myself functional, and honestly, how can I NOT be happy!?

I'm staring at THE Astral Express! Not a replica of it or a train modified to resemble it, but the actual space-faring train destined to trailblaze through the stars! And I'm going to board it!

My smile was ever-present as I saw the Train flying through the sky, leaving behind an ethereal blue trail resembling an aurora.

It was really something else, and I know that I can stare at it all day. The whole thing was just that picturesque, like something straight out of a painting. Of the express endless journey from planets to planets, appearing suddenly and disappearing at the furthest horizon….

As soon as the logical part of my brain kicked in I started running as fast as I could.

"No-no-no-NO! Don't leave me behind!"

Smothering down its artistic counterpart, objective reasoning reminds me that things flying through the air look small because of distance, and right now, the Astral Express is getting smaller and smaller, which means that they're getting farther and farther away.

So I took off and chased after them, and thankfully my newly found almost-superhuman speed ensured that I could keep up even as the express soared through the sky.

To my relief, the train began its descent not long after I started chasing it, and after another ten minutes of running, it eventually landed, crushing the trees and blowing vegetation away with its sheer weight. A planned landing because the vehicle stopped perfectly in the middle of a clearing.

I finally stopped and caught my breath. Honestly, I'm not even that winded, heck, I could probably even run for another hour or so thanks to this new body of mine.

No, the reason I stop is because first impressions matter, especially because the Astral Express is the literal last train to get off this planet for at least another century or so.

I need to get on that train, plain and simple, but it's one of those things that's easier said than done. I mean, I couldn't exactly just stroll up to the crew and ask them for a ride out of here now could I?

This isn't a game where the dialogue option is predetermined and I can pick a convenient option. Speak too much or too little and the crew might see me as a threat, with the worst-case scenario of them just jetting out of her and leaving me behind.

Though, according to the H.R.O.B. The crew is all-around genuine good people, and no matter what I do, it proclaimed that my trip out of this planet at least is all but ensured.

Of course, I'm taking its word with a grain of salt, and even with that safety net, I still want to make my introduction as impressionable and positive as possible.

Because no matter what, I want to join the Astral Express Crew.

My reasoning for this is simple, first, I'm going to have to put on a show for my benefactor, and as hectic and possibly dangerous the main group's adventure will be, it at least ensures a degree of plot armor.

I might be taking things a bit too lightly since this is a gacha game, especially one that Hoyoverse writes, though considering how 'friendly' Genshin Impact's story is compared to Honkai Impact, well, I'm hoping that this one will take after the former than the latter, if not placing in the middle when it comes to 'character death'.

Then there's the second reason, which is my power, and again, I GOT ISEKAI-ED AND HAVE THE POWER OF DENDRO ON MY SIDEEEEEEE!

In that department, I have zero intention of looking a gift horse in the mouth, and I'm going to do everything in my power to develop and cultivate my ability to the utmost limit. Ideally, I want to be able to do things like Ryokugyu and Hanami could, but for now, I'm setting my sights on becoming the Dendro Traveler in Honkai Star Rail.

Regardless, the 'danger' that comes with 'adventure' should be just enough 'adversity' for me to grow without stagnating, and again, this might be me taking things a tad too lightly by viewing everything as a 'gacha game'...

"Even so…."

I tightly gripped the handle of my spear, feeling something settling in my stomach and filling it, spreading out through my entire body. It sounds cheesy and cliche, but simply put, I can feel my determination swelling.

"I won't give up on this, this power is mine and mine alone."

Even if it's given by the whim of a deity-no, exactly because it was given to me that I will master it, I will make this power mine.

With my Dendro power, I'm going to be a part of the main story, adventuring through the endless cosmos, ever-growing as we overcome adversity and obstacles alike.

"I'll never give up on this, that I promise…Okay, that's enough thinking for now."

What comes next is action, and with that, I continue in the direction where the express has landed.

It didn't take long before I got to see it, and, wow, seeing it flying through the sky was amazing, but seeing it up close on the ground was impressive in a different way entirely.

If I have to put it into words, the Express is… mighty and regal.

Mighty with a frame that easily explains how it could withstand the heat of breaking through the atmosphere, traverse the coldness of space, and easily reach the speed of lightyears that men could only ever dream of.

Regal consists of a sleek black, elegant gold, and pristine white, appearing classy without being tacky in the slightest. The locomotive, especially, is classical at its core with an added futuristic addition that complements its space-faring aesthetic.

Even from here, now very close, my excitement and giddiness grew tenfold, and I was smiling from ear to ear too! It's right there! The Astral Express is right there and I'm about to board it!

"Wow! Everything Is really green here!" A chirpy and bubbly voice of a girl cut through the silence I was so used to and out of my own thoughts.

Out of nervousness and still not used to hearing another person, I quickly hid behind one of the many trees, hoping that she -that they- hadn't caught sight of me yet.

Wait, no, aren't I being dumb here? Why even bother hiding? Heck, if I got found out sneaking around wouldn't that just make me even more suspicious? Should I reveal myself now and wing it from there?

No-no-no, I should be truthful, but I shouldn't come out too strong either, the last thing I want is for the crew to think that I'm crazy.

This brings me to the biggest challenge yet, covering my gap in common sense with my meta-knowledge.

Again, I can't just blatantly reveal that I'm a person from another world who got thrown here by a random omnipotent being because I just happen to fit his niche at the right time, they'll just see that as crazy talk.

Although…. With how things are with Aeon and their emanators…no, it's completely different, for better or worse, the H.R.O.B. doesn't seem to hold a candle to those living planetary beings, he's more in the ballpark of the emanators, maybe?

How much do people know about Aeon and the path anyway?

No, I'm getting off-topic, this circles back to my main worry, what is the common sense of this world, and can I fill in the gaps enough so that I can appear 'functional' in front of the crew.

Or is the whole lying shtick detrimental to me? This is a world 'written' for a space-opera gacha after all, where science and superpowers are almost the norm, heck, I'm pretty sure that magic exists in some corner of the universe.

So it's not entirely impossible that my circumstances are too crazy, it might even be one of those 'rare but not unheard of' stories for all I know.

"March, don't wander too far!" A new voice cut in, snapping me out of my thoughts. This time a male that's the epitome of calm and collected. "We don't know what could lurk in the shades."

My heart skipped a beat at his selected wording, did he know that I was here, or was he just being careful in general!?

"Ugh, lighten up, will you Dan Heng! Pom-pom already told us that there's nothing on this planet except trees and fresh and delicious fruits! There's nothing to worry about!"

Half-convinced that the guy was just being on guard, I peeked from where I hid to look at the newcomers, and my hearing was proven to be astute as I found a boy and a girl talking not far from the now-opened cabin door.

The girl was dressed in bright white, light blue, and shocking pink. I had to blink a couple of times because her hair and eye color were equally mixed, but something told me that all of it was natural and her name was March.

The boy appears more normal than her, even if only relatively. Steely gray eyes and dark hair, dressed in eastern-inspired functional clothes of white and dark green. Dan Heng was his name, and he looked like he was just ready for everything.

Something tells me that both of them are much much more than they seem.

"Anyway~! I'm gonna go and try some of them now! They just look so delicious and fresh! And there's so many of them here! I wonder which one tastes sweet! Maybe they'll be even better juiced!"

The girl -March, was it?- Happily declared, skipping to the nearest trees bearing the fruit that looked like a cross of an apple and an orange.

Good choice, that one tasted sweet and just the slightest bit salty which only made it better, easily one of the best fruits that I had eaten this past week.

In response, the boy sighed, "Weren't you the one who said that you're going to watch your figure from now on? Gorging on fruits of unknown calories certainly runs counter to that."

"Nope! That's only for cakes and sweets!" The girl triumphantly countered while taking a bite out of the fruit. Her expression quickly shifted to that of a starry-eyed, and from how she quickly took another bite, it's obvious that she liked it.

To that, the boy sighed again, this time sounding defeated. "And you didn't even bother checking whether or not the fruit is edible. What would you do if that fruit was poisonous."

"Oh, no need to worry about that Dan Heng, I've checked the record and it shows that all of the fruit here is edible, not to mention, highly nutritious and low in carbohydrates. So it's actually ideal for March 7th new diet plans."

The third voice that joined in belonged to a woman, who sounded easygoing and full of confidence. But she also sounds knowledgeable enough that you'd believe every word that she says, and she was right, the H.R.O.B. confirmed that no fruits here would kill you, or at least the ones that I've eaten and been able to recognize so far.

To keep it short she sounds like the definition of a charming and mature lady, and my description was spot on as I caught sight of the voice's owner.

She was a well-endowed woman with bright red hair that reached her hips, wearing a combination of a beautiful white dress with gold accessories and a black long-coat that hung by her right shoulder.

My earlier description was spot-on, it really is, she was a textbook example of an elegant and intelligent person. But even then I feel as if my words are not enough to do her justice, that's just how impressive she is.

"See Dan Heng, if Himeko says that it's safe to eat then it's guaranteed to be safe to eat! " March, happily agreed in-between bites. "Oh man, these fruits are super~ delicious!"

Himeko, so that's her name and March and Dan Heng, I better remember that. Are these the cast that makes up the Astral Express crew then? Just three of them?

Sure, the March girl has the making of a bubbly and adventurous, most likely reckless, irregular protagonist, but I can't help but think that Hoyoverse would go with something so striking as a focal character. Or maybe this was an Honkai Impact thing? Kiana is a really established main character from the sound of it.

Although, now that I think about it, Dan Heng easily fits the mold of a calm and mysterious silent and cool protagonist. And Himeko was the very definition of a kickass Female lead who can probably do everything and look good doing it.

Could the Astral Express crew consist of multiple protagonist archetypes?

That's… a pretty smart way to do it, honestly. I mean, even I know that the protagonist's story and 'character' of a gacha game is usually bland to make the feeling of self-insert possible.

So they decided to counter-balance it by keeping the player's avatar surrounded by other arrays of protagonists. Of course, whether it sticks the landing or ends up worsening the quality of the main cast depends on how good the writing is…

Huh, wait, now that I think about it, I've been looking at the main cast and not the 'main character', aren't they here yet? They're actually one of the two main reasons I started playing this game because the appearance of the male main character is honestly the peak design for self-insert.

Did I come too early… or am I supposed to take their place? Fuck, I don't have to don't I!? Because games like these scream 'the fate of the galaxies rests on your shoulder' and I don't want that kind of responsibility! I can barely take care of myself!

"HUWAH!"

It was the crew's voice that once again snapped me out of my musing, this time back from March who suddenly shouted.

"Oh my, what's wrong March?"

"It's the fruit! It suddenly turned super sour!" The girl screamed while sticking her tongue out as if it would remove the taste.

Ah, she must have accidentally bit into the core, that fruit is funny like that, having a structure that's exactly like an apple, except with an edible core that's super sour.

"Oh? I'll have to record that in the data bank. Thank you for your contribution, March 7th, I'll be sure to attach your name regarding this finding."

Though Dan Heng's voice was unchanged even I could tell that he was being cheeky, and from the way Himeko giggled, this probably wasn't the first time this happened. It could even be a recurring running gag between the trio.

I wonder, what could I add into the mix if I do end up joining them.

"Ugh, Dan Heng, can't you see how bad this is! I need something sweet to wash this sourness off!"

"Unfortunately I'm unable to help you with that." The boy quickly retorted. "While the Express's data on Sylvanus-II is nothing short of thorough, I'm afraid any information we have on how each fruit tastes is a bit…. outdated. By 600 years to be exact."

March's expression further sours (heh), at the revelation, in contrast to Himeko who is now grinning from ear to ear.

"And there you have it, March. This means there's nothing left but good old trial and error! And isn't that just exciting!"

"How can you say that Himeko!? Wait, don't tell me, we're only going to have fruits while we're here!? Oh, this is even worse than the last planet where we could only have meat!"

Huh, I guess it's expected that different planets would have different ecologies and food circumstances completely, though having been here for a week, I'd personally say it's not that bad. In fact:

"The fruits here are extremely diverse in taste and texture, you just gotta schedule what you eat and pick a favorite and you'll be good for weeks."

Unsurprisingly, the three newcomers reacted quickly to the sudden interjection made by yours truly, and I realized that I had accidentally revealed myself with my commentary.

"W-who's there!?" March half-screamed, a composite bow manifesting in her arms, followed by an arrow of ice that came to be as she pulled the string backward. "T-this planet's supposed to be empty isn't it!?"

Dan Heng followed suit, arming himself with a spear, skilfully twirling the weapon as he took a defensive stance in my direction. "The records stated that Sylvanus-II is a hospitable planet, the only one in this solar system in fact, however, there should be no lifeform here discounting plant-based ones."

"Well, it is obvious that that section of information is also due for an update."

Himeko was the one whose voice remained unchanged, though just like the other two, she too had brought out her weapon of choice. Taking the form of an ornate suitcase that definitely has a surprise in store for me.

"But for now, why don't our fellow spacefarer reveal himself and we can avoid any unwanted uncertainties from both sides?"

The way she asked was polite and curt, and even though I'm uncomfortable with how well-armed they are, it makes perfect sense for them to be on guard against a total stranger like me.

Hence, I'm smart enough to know that pretending I'm not there won't cut it, and that at this point, there's nothing else I can do but reveal myself to the crew.

So I did just that, stepping out from behind the tree and putting myself in front of them. And hoo boy, I don't know if it's me not interacting with people for so long or just me still not getting used to how beautiful this anime world and its people are, but I immediately flinched.

Which isn't that bad even if my first impression certainly took a hit, no, what bad was the fact that I instinctively manifested my spear just so I could hold onto something and calm my nerves.

For the crew though? Yeah, that gesture naturally has the opposite effect.

March and Dan Heng, just about ready to put their weapons down, hastily re-entered their combat-ready stance.

Himeko on the other hand, only slightly switched her hold over her case, but that was enough to trigger a transformation whereby a FULL CIRCULAR BUZZSAW now sprouted out of it and started to WHIRL.

Fuck, shit, I'm gonna die, they totally COULD and WOULD kill me. Gotta de-escalate things, what to do? What to say?

Should I just surrender and come clean!? But wouldn't that make me seem crazy if Aeons and Path isn't a well-known thing!?

Maybe I can just stall for time and cooperate with them until I come up with a good story. What if they decided to ask me how I got here on the spot!? I'll be back to square one! Should I just give up and go with it then!?

What should I do? What do I do!?

The question repeated itself again and again inside my head, adding to the stress and panic, causing me to uncontrollably twitch.

To make matters worse, it also activated my powers before I knew it, causing grass, roots, and small saplings to spread around me as if picking a fight. At least that's the message that the Astral Express crew seems to get, because they weren't far behind.

The air around Himeko started to shimmer from the heat coming from her, and a swirl of dark green and bluish-white started to dance around Dan Heng and March respectively.

….Oh fudge, is this how it ends!? Me dying from misunderstanding and social anxiety!? That some poor Isekai conflict wring!? I swear, I'm usually better than this!

"Why don't we all just calm down now?"

And suddenly everything stopped, the trio of Himeko, Dan Heng, and March ceasing their power at the request of the calm voice. As for me, my power was finally deactivated on account of a newfound physical pressure that caused me to straighten up.

The best way that I can describe it is like a massage, strong enough that I can feel it, but not too hard that it disrupts me in any way. And it's hitting the good spots too, hard enough that it allows the tension to leave my body and gets me calm enough to get my powers under control.

As I unconsciously let out a sigh of relief, a hand gently patted my shoulder.

On any other occasion, the sudden contact would have sent me leaping, but the presence that I realized too late was behind me feels...calm. Well, that and powerful enough that I knew there was nothing else I could do.

"There we go, you're so full of tension earlier, you're probably using your power without realizing it. Have you calmed down now?"

The new voice asked, sounding of wizened and composed which I just couldn't help but answer honestly.

"Yeah, sorry about that, it's just I haven't seen anyone in a week I got overly nervous. Guess I'm not as good with this power as I thought…" I lamely chuckled at the end.

…Yeah that was a tad too much on the honesty part, but for better or worse, this means that I have to go for the honest route, and that itself already lifted the extra weight off my shoulders.

All that's left is to go through with the deed. Hopefully the person behind me is reasonable enough to get the others to hear me out… especially in the worst-case scenario that I do sound crazy.

"No problem, newfound powers can be extremely disorienting, and I can tell that you're fairly new to well… all of this."

"Dang… was I that obvious? No, wait, I mean, thanks for covering up for me- I mean!?…. Sorry...Man, I'm a mess right now…"

Even as I let my 'true voice' out, I can barely string a sentence together. Something that

"I'm sure that all of us can get along, and that this whole thing is just a misunderstanding, for now, why don't we just put all of our weapons away? Just to be safe."

At that last part, he turned towards the Astral Express crew. March and Dan Heng turned to Himeko, obviously but silently asking permission. It was only after she nodded and dematerialized her armament did the two followed suit.

And that helped a lot, I mean A LOT for my nerves. So much so that I too followed their lead and disarmed myself. My short spear vanished in wisps of lime green. I didn't even notice what I did until he spoke again.

"Thank you, I know one would be naturally on guard in front of strangers, but rest assured, the Astral Express means no harm to you or this planet."

Those words answered the unasked question, of course, he's with the Astral Express. Well, at least he trusts me enough not to bring out his weapon against someone who's arguably as suspicious as me.

"Oh, sorry about that, here, I'll stop using my power now."

In response to those words, the calming pressure disappeared, it was then that I was able to turn and take a good look at the person who saved me.

An older person by all means, old enough that I instantly knew he was my senior in life but nowhere old enough to be called an elderly. But something about him made it feel grandfatherly.

Wized, yeah, that's the best way to put it even at the risk of repeating myself. Dressed in a gray and silver suit, a long black scarf, and a pair of glasses. The last member of the Express was none other than this… suave man.

Damn I wish I could look as good as he is when I'm in my…late forties or early fifties? I think I pegged his age in the wrong bracket, but if he's as old as I think he is then the idiom 'aged like a fine wine' was made for this guy.

"I hope that you don't mind my interference, you were too tense for your, and also our own good, so I interfered with my power too, to get you to relax a bit."

"Oh, that was you, I mean, of course, that was you, who else can do it? Nope, yeah, totally fine now. I mean, thanks? Wait, what am I even…"

My words continue to fail me, but on the upside, my all-natural fumbling seems to convince the rest of the Astral Express crew that I was just a kid out of my depth rather than a menacing unknown who's too fond of the color green.

Ok, ok, ok, that's enough fumbling now. Gotta explain myself to the crew, and hopefully, I can get them to agree to take me for the ride. I can't mess this up. But what can I say, is coming clean the best I can do right now? Or would that cause everything to fall apart instead!?

Crap, crap, crap! Gotta think! Say something! Anything! Follow my instinct? But instinct bad!? Oh noooooo, how long have I been silent? Have I said anything at all!? I bet they all think I'm a weirdo now!

It was for sure one of the worst moments I had in my life, and honestly, somehow I can feel that it was getting worse. A hand gently patted me on the shoulder.

That snapped me out of my spiral of confusion, and I found myself staring at a worried pair of yellow eyes, framed by black glasses.

"Are you… alright?"

The question was asked so softly, so gently, so full of… hesitation, anyone could tell it was genuine…

So…. How am I supposed to answer that?

It was a simple question, technically a yes or no question even so….

How am I doing?

For the past week, I've… been training with the powers that I could only dream off. Any other time, I would just laze around in the shade or eat delicious fruit and drink the purest freshest of water that I can just found everywhere.

This was an abandoned planet, and I was the only living being here discounting the native plants. But it was also a place where I don't have to worry about anything and can live the dream

So….wasn't I doing good?

Objectively, THIS was as good as it gets. The kind of stress-free life that so many could ever dream of.

But it was only now I remember what it had cost me.

I was whisked away from my world, from my family and my friends, from everything that I know and hold dear, to every mundane thing.

Was it an equivalent exchange? My life, and the possibilities of what could have been, with this power and a shot at adventure?

How was I doing? At this point, I don't even know.

"I don't know…I just… I don't…."

And I said it out loud too, with everything I have, from the bottom of my heart. Heck, I even managed to latch a perfectly timed disturbing and eerie chuckle at the end, not that I realized it at the moment.

"What even am I…"

I could -I want- to just pretend that everything was fine, to see everything as a story, as a game, that I could just enjoy and smile through.

But I can't. I just can't, it's just not possible. I AM an otherworlder with a possibly overpowered ability, but I'm also (still am and always will be) a normal person who got kidnapped by a being that I couldn't comprehend, and got thrown to god knows where just to flail along for its entertainment.

Tears started forming and my sight became blurry, and I suddenly found myself enveloped in a hug.

"It's alright," The man assured me, oh, he was hugging me. That's what's going on. "...You're not alone. Let it all out, and we'll listen when you're ready."

That was what I needed, and my cry turned into a full-blown wail, my tears dropping like rain onto his shoulder.

I couldn't tell you how long it took me to cry it all out or how hard the emotional whiplash from this entire week hit me. All that I knew was that by the end of it all, I was on my knees, with him doing his best to keep me at eye level, continuing his reassurance with his hand on my shoulder.

The rest of the crew were there too, Himeko and Dan Heng looking at me with sympathy that could only come from those who truly understand what I had gone through, and March with tears welling on her eyes.

That was how it all began, the beginning of my story, so to speak, even if it's cliched to put it that way. Not as a character in a game, but as another 'someone' trying to make it through the vast Galaxy beyond compare.

This is my life now, and from here on out, I will have to live out my dream whether I like it or not.

XxXxX

Wow I went reallllll long after transmigrating to this account without posting anything, sorry about that, but adult life happen. Good news is I'm holding a steady job and have been able to write more. Though instead of my old projects that I promised to rework, I ended up with this baby instead and wrote your average male fantasy.

Me: "wrote Mr. Yang hugging me and telling me that everything is going to be alright'

Also, me with tears in my eyes: "Yup, the average male fantasy."

Sorry about that for readers who followed me, especially from Staying Behind and Moonlit Hunt.

Unfortunately, I'm really a writer driven by passion and recency, and right now, that's Honkai Star Rail, especially with Jade having a rerun banner. So all cards on the table, it'll be quite sometime before I will be going back to writing any of my old stories. It doesn't really help that Overlord's story have been quite meh for the past couple of volumes.

But I've more or less figured out what I did wrong when writing in the past, and I've already investing in certain ways to keep myself invested in writing stories once I've started them.

Until then, please enjoy this story if it's your cup of tea, if not, that's fine, but I do hope that I'll still have your patronage in this site!

For those interested in Honkai Star Rail, I also have a new Spacebattle thread! Please visit me here and liven up the thread with comment if you're interested! [ threads/spacebound-sapling-a-honkai-star-rail-self-insert.1207490/]

Until then, here's ErlanggSIOC, signing off. CIAO!