Star Rail, Single Draw Acheron at the Start

"Are you and that gentleman both members of the Family in Penacony?"

Welt maintained his composure. To him, being a superstar was just a title; what mattered was the objective. Now, with a prominent Family figure suddenly appearing, they might not have good intentions.

"To be honest, I'm a guest here, just like all of you. Penacony is my hometown, but I left after growing up. I was fortunate enough to be invited back to perform a song at the Grand Gala."

Robin explained her presence there to the strangers with great warmth. March 7th clasped her hands together in front of her chest, her expression that of someone seeing a beloved idol. Robin was such a kind person, which made March 7th feel like her efforts as a fan hadn't been in vain.

"Sunday, whom you mentioned, is my elder brother. He's one of the decision-makers in Penacony and the organizer of this Grand Gala. He heard that you were in trouble and brought me along to offer assistance. Unfortunately, we arrived a bit late and caused you an unpleasant stay. I sincerely apologize."

Not only did Robin come to help, but she even apologized. March 7th felt unworthy, thinking that Robin was apologizing even though it wasn't her fault, and quickly returned the courtesy.

"You're such a good person!"

March 7th and Robin were exchanging pleasantries. Caelus, not being a fan of Robin, couldn't join the conversation. After all their exchanges, he only learned one thing: the man with bird wings was his brother-in-law. That was all that mattered.

"Please rest assured, I have already instructed Miss Elly to resolve the system malfunction as soon as possible and to arrange an additional guest room for you as compensation. The hotel will provide suitable rooms shortly."

Sunday said, spreading his palms. His tone was as gentle as Robin's, and his appearance was handsome. However, March 7th, the only one among them who could be swayed by a man, didn't even glance at him, her attention still fixed on Robin.

"Thank you for your willingness to mediate, but wouldn't it be inappropriate to add an extra room just for us? From what I understand, there should be quite a few invited faction guests, shouldn't there?"

Welt's brow furrowed imperceptibly. His words carried a hint of refusal. Favors owed had to be repaid. They were supposed to owe Aventurine a favor, but now it seemed they would owe the Family a favor, something he did not wish to see.

"Rest assured, the Family will handle the communication. As the actual administrators, it is our duty to resolve any issues for your visit to Penacony. If you require anything in Penacony, the Family is always at your service."

Sunday continued with a smile. Now Welt had nothing more to say. To refuse further would be ungracious. Moreover, this was due to the Star Rail Express's identity. For any other guests encountering such a situation, it would be a miracle for someone of Sunday's stature to even show up, let alone bring his equally prominent sister.

"The invitation is tied to the guest room. I have one, so there's no need for you to bend the rules."

Acheron suddenly spoke up. All eyes turned to her, and for a moment, no one spoke. Everyone involved understood the importance of social etiquette. Acheron's lack of gratitude and her firm stance towards the Family were unnecessary. It was like a fresh graduate, unaccustomed to the harsh realities of life, being too arrogant.

"Aren't you a passenger on the Star Rail Express?"

Robin, feeling the awkward silence, couldn't help but ask Acheron.

"I am, but there's no need for the Express to owe anyone a favor because of me."

Acheron stated her intention. She had mentioned when boarding that she would have an invitation. Now, seeing the Express about to owe a favor to a stranger for her sake, she deemed it unnecessary.

"Then what does this young lady mean?"

Sunday felt that things were indeed a bit beyond his expectations, but his expression remained calm, and he didn't get angry because of Acheron's assertiveness.

"The Grand Gala hasn't started yet, and there's still some time before hotel check-in. I will come with my invitation before then."

Acheron stated directly. With things said this far, Sunday saw no need to offer an additional room. Welt's brow remained furrowed, not out of anger at Acheron's attitude, but because he saw this as a potentially good outcome. He hadn't considered this approach before; it took a young person to do it.

"Then, may you all have a wonderful time in your dreams."

Seeing this, Robin didn't say much more. After offering her blessings, she prepared to leave with Sunday. However, after only two steps, Caelus quickly moved to block her.

"Huh?"

Robin looked surprised, thinking she had encountered an overzealous fan. But Caelus simply took out his phone and smiled as he offered a QR code.

"Miss Robin, can we add each other on WeChat?"

Caelus explained his intention with a smile. March 7th's eyes widened as she looked at Caelus. She also wanted to add Robin's private WeChat. Having a cosmic superstar in her chat list, even if she didn't chat with them, would be a comfort. However, March 7th lacked Caelus's assertiveness, and most people wouldn't dare to ask so directly.

"This..."

Robin didn't directly refuse Caelus but looked at Sunday beside her, as if seeking her brother's opinion. She couldn't make the decision herself.

Chapter 29: Let's Add Each Other on WeChat for Now

"My sister will be very busy recently and has almost no private time. Perhaps another time."

Sunday reached out to stop Caelus. As a man himself, he understood Caelus's intentions perfectly. The way the young man was looking at Robin was clearly the way a man looks at a woman, with an unmistakable desire to marry her. As a doting brother, Sunday felt he was showing remarkable restraint by not immediately unleashing a powerful attack on Caelus.

"If you require anything in Penacony, the Family is always at your service."

Caelus suddenly said something completely out of context. Sunday, a person of his caliber, was slightly taken aback. Robin, on the other hand, looked at Caelus with her expressive eyes.

Everyone was intelligent. Caelus's intention in saying this was self-evident. Sunday had just said those words himself; it was merely a polite gesture. Someone of his status wouldn't be a constant caretaker for the Star Rail Express passengers, nor did he expect anyone to take it seriously. However, Caelus had repeated it within minutes. If he were to refuse now, it would be a direct contradiction of his own words.

Since he had stated that the Family was at their service at any time, communication was an indispensable element. Caelus had seized upon this point, forcing Sunday to respond. A flicker of surprise flashed in Sunday's eyes, and then he took out his phone, preparing to add Caelus on WeChat.

"Mr. Caelus is right. The Family is always at your service. This is my private WeChat. Feel free to contact me anytime if you need anything."

Robin's face broke into a kind smile. She took out her phone, opened the WeChat app, scanned Caelus's QR code, and added him as a friend.

Sunday's expression changed slightly, but he ultimately said nothing. This was because Caelus's target was Robin, and Robin was also a member of the Family. To refuse now would make the Family appear petty. Thus, Caelus, with a word from his future brother-in-law, obtained his future wife's WeChat. With their chat applications linked, getting her to come home was not far off.

"Welt, our young man is truly remarkable."

Himeko, who had been watching intently, couldn't help but praise Caelus. It wasn't about being unreasonable; it was about using the loophole left by the other party as a strategy to obtain the WeChat of the person he admired. Such calculation was incredible; it didn't seem like something a child would do.

"It would be even better if it could be used for a more righteous purpose."

Welt adjusted his glasses. Caelus's maneuver was indeed impressive, but it was being used to pursue a girl. Welt felt helpless. He was getting old. If Caelus grew up well, he would surely become a pillar of the Star Rail Express. However, his tendency to be unable to move when he saw a beautiful woman was truly worrying.

"Caelus, quickly share Robin's WeChat with me."

March 7th grabbed Caelus's arm, saying, "Robin's private WeChat! To put it bluntly, if Caelus's account were put up for auction, it would probably sell for the price of a Star Destroyer." March 7th was so envious that her protoplasm was about to separate.

"No, I worked hard to get this," Caelus flatly refused.

"You, don't force me to beg you."

"This won't be the last time we meet. Next time, you're on your own."

Caelus refused. He wasn't going to share Robin's Stellaris Shard. What if she hated that sort of thing? He'd have to be out of his mind to risk his relationship with his future wife. He'd rather inconvenience March 7th; she could be easily appeased with a cup of milk tea anyway.

"I'm heading back to the Express,"

Acheron said. Since she didn't have a room or an invitation, she decided to return to the Express. She'd come back after getting her invitation.

"I'll go with you."

Caelus said without hesitation. He hadn't even seen what the guest rooms were like, but the entirety of Penacony wasn't as important as Acheron. Of course, he'd go with her.

Himeko and Welt, the two elders, didn't say much. Caelus might still be a child, but Acheron had her reasons. They weren't the type of elders who would force their opinions on others; they preferred to let things unfold naturally.

Caelus and Acheron arrived at the port outside the hotel. Just as he was about to get back on the Express, his phone vibrated with an incoming message.

Can't Buy Anymore: [Caelus, something big has happened.]

Galaxy Youth: [What, is our child being born?]

Can't Buy Anymore: [You're being ridiculous! Ms. Herta was attacked. Aren't you going to come back and see, you little brat?]

Galaxy Youth: [Oh my god, my grandmother, the person I love most in this world! How will I live without her? How is the inheritance being handled? How much tax will I have to pay?]

Can't Buy Anymore: [Actually, it was Ms. Herta's puppet that was attacked by an unknown assailant. The Space Station is in a state of panic right now. I don't have anyone else to turn to, so I thought of you. How are things in Penacony?]

Galaxy Youth: [I heard the Grand Gala is still a ways off. I have plenty of time.]

Can't Buy Anymore: [Then come back for a bit.]

Galaxy Youth: [Alright.]

"Ah, Acheron, I need to go back to the Space Station. Do you have time?"

Caelus's expression turned serious after he put his phone away. This was the first time Asta had asked for his help, and it meant she truly had no one reliable around. Their relationship wasn't quite at the level of lovers yet, but it was more than just friends. If he handled this well, getting closer wouldn't be a problem.

"I do."

Acheron nodded. Caelus immediately took her hand and boarded the Express. Whether it was through warp or some other means, the priority was getting to the Space Station.

PS: Please collect, recommend, and vote with monthly tickets.

Chapter 30: There's Such a Thing?

"Passengers, why have you returned, Pam? Is it because you miss the Station Master, Pam?"

Pom-Pom was looking out from the observation car on the Express and asked curiously when he saw someone return. Since he couldn't leave the Express, he would have gone out to play long ago if he could.

"Of course, we missed you. One day apart feels like three eights of a system cycle."

Caelus nodded and said seriously. Pom-Pom's face lit up with a happy smile, but before he could smile for more than a few seconds, Caelus stated his purpose.

"Pom-Pom, the Space Station has run into some trouble. We need to go back and help Asta."

"In that case, why don't you use a Realm Anchor to go back?"

Pom-Pom nodded. Such a minor issue didn't require activating the Express's warp drive. How much resources would it cost for a round trip? So, he told Caelus a simpler method.

"What is that?" Caelus asked, confused.

"It's an anchor point condensed from Trailblaze power. As long as you're a passenger of the Express, you can use Trailblaze power for teleportation. However, it can only reach places you've been to. Because these things are easily damaged and difficult to manufacture, they can only be fixed in our allies' territory." Pom-Pom began to explain what a Realm Anchor was. Simply put, it was a teleportation point, and only those recognized by the Express could use it.

"Wait, why didn't you say you had something so good earlier?"

Caelus was stunned for a moment. If he had known about this earlier, he could have placed one in Belobog, then another on the Xianzhou, and he could have slept with his wives every day.

"You didn't ask Pom, Pam," Pom-Pom said righteously.

"Alright, it's true I didn't ask."

Caelus scratched his head and accepted the premise without any pressure. The Star Rail Express was a legacy of an Aeon. If humans could already travel through space, was it difficult for an Aeon to create a teleportation array? It was as simple as picking your nose.

"Here's the map. Find the place you want to go and tap it, then use the anchor to come back."

Pom-Pom led Caelus to an inconspicuous control panel next to the jukebox in the observation car and pointed. Caelus opened it and saw the locations of several Realm Anchors. He held Acheron's hand and then tapped the anchor point for the Space Station. In an instant, he felt himself flying, followed by a brief moment of disorientation. When he came to his senses, he was already standing on the Space Station's platform.

Caelus and Acheron were standing next to a glowing sphere. The sphere had cones rotating around it, both above and below. Starlight flickered within these components, clearly made of materials unlike anything in the universe, obviously crafted by an Aeon.

"As expected of an Aeon, they easily accomplished what ordinary people cannot."

Caelus accepted the incredibly convenient setup with peace of mind, then took Acheron with him to the main control segment where Asta was. They met her moments later.

"You're here so quickly?"

Asta was slightly surprised when she saw Caelus, but she didn't ask how he got back. This indicated she knew about the existence of Realm Anchors.

"Because I was eager to return, my longing for you surpassed the speed of light."

Caelus reached out to take Asta's hand, but she deftly dodged his grasp and gave him a glare.

"Don't be ridiculous. Let's talk in Ms. Herta's office."

Asta led Caelus and Acheron towards Herta's office. Along the way, they encountered Peppy, who had come to hang out. Caelus picked up his canine brother, and they entered Herta's office together.

Two people were already in the office. One was Screwllum, the mechanical lifeform Caelus had met before, and the other was a man who looked human but wore a plaster cast on his head. Who knew if he needed to breathe.

"You're Screwllum, and the strange plaster man?"

Caelus greeted Screwllum, ignoring the plaster-faced man. After all, judging by his build, he was clearly a man, and Caelus wasn't interested.

"Mr. Caelus, hello. We met before when we were testing the Simulated Universe, so I won't bore you with introductions," Screwllum said, raising a hand in greeting. Despite not being human, he was far more polite than most humans. The plaster-faced man remained silent, and Caelus paid him no mind.

"This is Mr. Veritas Ratio, a scholar of the Genius Society."

Screwllum took the initiative to introduce the man beside him. It was only then that the plaster-faced man seemed to snap back to reality and nodded at Caelus.

"I came to the Space Station to observe curiosities and was inexplicably drawn into this incident. Ms. Herta was attacked, and we outsiders are the most likely suspects," Ratio stated. Although there were security forces on the Space Station, they wouldn't arrest people for such matters. Both outsiders had voluntarily stayed in Herta's office and refrained from moving around freely.

"Logic: Affirmative," Screwllum said.

"So where's my grandmother?"

Caelus asked Asta. Such a major incident had occurred that one of her puppets was gone, and it seemed out of character for her not to show up personally. Moreover, Caelus was genuinely curious about what an elderly woman would be like after returning to her youth – perhaps a beautiful maiden.

"Ms. Herta is already on the company's private jet. I heard she was invited to some event. She herself said it was just a puppet, nothing to worry about," Asta replied helplessly. If Herta had come, Asta wouldn't be here, struggling with all these problems. Unfortunately, Herta herself didn't care, and had the same attitude when the Space Station was attacked before.

"Asta, what's wrong? You look so troubled. It's not just about Grandma's puppet, is it?"

Caelus quietly reached out and took Asta's warm hand. This time, when he grasped it, Asta didn't resist.

"Yes, actually, four staff members have already gone missing on the Space Station."

Asta looked at Caelus. Thinking about their relationship, she decided not to hide anything from him. Now, Caelus was the only person she could rely on. He was in the same camp as Herta, so trusting him was perfectly fine.

"Missing? When did this happen?"

Caelus asked in surprise. He had initially thought it was a prank targeting Herta, but now it seemed the situation was more complicated. The Space Station seemed to have a ghost.

"In the last few days. The damage and wounds caused by the Anti-Matter Legion have been slowly healing, but it's precisely at this time. Although I've sealed the news, walls have ears. After the previous attack, the staff's trust in the management has completely eroded. They believe the Space Station lacked protective measures, which led to the attack, and thus, the questioning of the management's authority has been constant."

Asta sighed. The previous attack by the Anti-Matter Legion had been a nightmare. Who knew why this small can was targeted by the Anti-Matter Legion? After finally repelling the Legion, a mysterious disappearance incident occurred. It could be said that the staff's mental state was on the verge of collapse. At this point, any spark could easily ignite a riot.