Star Rail, Single Draw Acheron at the Start

PS, please collect, recommend, and vote for monthly tickets.

Chapter 8: Cosmic Superman, Wake Up

Although Caelus held a baseball bat, he consciously retreated to the side. He was self-aware enough to know that this level of battle had nothing to do with him. He was just there to go through the motions. If he wanted to fight desperately, he would need the ability to do so.

Caelus's gaze was fixed on Acheron. As she stepped forward, the Doomsday Beast noticed her approach. This war machine with four arms embodied the word "monster" to its fullest. Its thick arms struck the ground like stone pillars, and its wings blocked all scenery behind it, casting a shadow over the sky.

"Roar!"

The Doomsday Beast roared and raised its right arm to smash at Acheron. Its inherent mission was destruction, and any living creature that approached it would be crushed into powder. But just as its arm was about to fall, its sluggish brain suddenly felt something strange. Its arm seemed to have become lighter. The next moment, the arm it had raised flew off, spinning, and landed on its wings, which had unfurled behind it.

The Doomsday Beast was stunned for a moment. It had no eyes on its head, but it turned its head to look at its severed arm. Then, anger surged within it, and its remaining three arms were raised together to smash at Acheron. One of its thick arms unfolded into the shape of a cannon barrel, while its two shorter arms gathered energy. The wings on its back lit up one by one, gathering countless light orbs. In the next second, these light orbs would unleash energy beams, sweeping away everything in front of it.

"This life is like morning dew, body and name both perish. The River of Oblivion is placid, guiding the wandering."

Acheron's movements were extremely concise. She simply raised her scabbard and swung it. Red sword lights slashed out. She didn't even draw her sword. The implication was clear: trash like the Doomsday Beast wasn't worthy of her drawing her sword. Sword light, in theory, was a form of energy that could be activated with or without drawing the blade. Those red lights were faster than the Doomsday Beast's charge. In the blink of an eye, the Doomsday Beast's large wings behind it shattered, and its three arms were also severed and fell to the ground.

"Hiss..."

March 7th gasped. She had actually shot an arrow amidst the chaos. Her energy arrow had bounced off the Doomsday Beast's carapace like feathers. Yet, Acheron had broken through the Doomsday Beast's defenses with just sword light, slicing it into a dragon-like stick. March 7th couldn't even imagine such combat power.

The Doomsday Beast looked extremely pathetic at this moment. Its once imposing appearance was now tattered, with no arms or wings left, only its torso remaining. Seeing that it was about to die, it didn't try to escape. Instead, it raised its head and fired out all the energy it had gathered but not yet released.

This energy beam came quite suddenly. Acheron wasn't afraid of it; she wouldn't be injured even if she took it head-on. However, the Doomsday Beast hadn't aimed at her. Its target was the archer March 7th, who was further away. Attacking the backline first was a universal consensus in battles. The Doomsday Beast naturally understood this. As long as it could take one down, it wouldn't be a loss even if it died.

March 7th was already terrified. She saw the energy beam shooting directly at her, and her legs felt like they were rooted to the spot. Just as she closed her eyes, preparing to take the hit, the sound of a baseball bat hitting the ground was heard. Caelus had dropped his weapon and rushed in front of March 7th, spreading his arms to take the fatal blow.

"Caelus, why?"

March 7th's mouth hung open as she stared at Caelus's back and asked. They had only just met, and he was willing to risk his life to save her. March 7th had never imagined such a thing.

"Heroes can't desert their posts."

Caelus felt his body about to melt, but he still made a thumbs-up gesture with his outstretched palm, speaking to March 7th with his back to her. Although he didn't want to die, he couldn't stand by and watch this beautiful girl die tragically. He was the only one who could do something in this situation.

The energy beam fired by the Doomsday Beast had already begun to detonate. Even though Acheron had rushed up and decapitated the Doomsday Beast, the exploding energy couldn't be stopped. Caelus felt like he was going to die here, yet he was unwilling. He hadn't even seen his mother and aunt yet; how could he die here?

"Bearing the name of the Savior, I cannot lose!"

Caelus, who had closed his eyes, suddenly opened them, shouting hoarsely as he activated the mysterious energy within him. At that moment, a sphere shot out from his chest, forming a dazzling golden light in front of him, absorbing all the energy the Doomsday Beast had unleashed.

"Stellaron!"

As soon as Himeko saw the sphere, she recognized what it was. Her heart knew that her guess was correct. The Star Rail Express had also dealt with Stellerons before. She had suspected Caelus had some connection to a Stellaron, but no one expected him to contain one within his body.

Caelus's consciousness had already flown far away. He felt himself floating in the cosmic starry sky. After finally opening his eyes, he saw a giant that looked like a male standing before him. The giant's body couldn't be described as just large; planets were like toys in his palm. He had long white hair, and his eyes were a terrifying golden color, looking down at Caelus with a condescending gaze.

"Hoh, why are your eyes so wide open? Trying to scare me?"

Caelus wasn't afraid of the giant before him at all. He had already died once; how could he be afraid of this strange-looking guy? Moreover, he really disliked the way the giant looked at him, so he raised his middle finger in provocation.

The giant ignored Caelus's provocation. He simply stared at Caelus silently, as if a human saw an ant on the ground raising its forelimbs – not worth mentioning.

"Uh, this plot feels a bit familiar. Are you going to give me a transformation device next, and then fuse with me to save the world?"

Seeing that the giant wasn't paying attention to him, Caelus scratched his head and said to him. Just as he was reluctantly preparing to accept this, the giant disappeared, and his consciousness gradually returned to his body.

Chapter 9: I'm Not Clean Anymore

"Children, I'm back."

Caelus said as he sat up from the ground. Seeing him come back to life, March 7th hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face.

"You idiot, what were you doing? Why did you save me?"

This was the first time March 7th had been saved like this by someone. She was sure that Caelus had left an indelible impression on her. Such a life-risking act of saving someone wasn't something everyone could do.

"Because you saved me before too. Did you think about why when you saved me?"

Caelus said with a smile, patting March 7th's back. He liked pretty girls, especially kind and pretty girls. Now that they had a good start, if they interacted more, wouldn't March 7th become his March wife? This gamble of his life had paid off.

"Of course, I just did it casually. I wasn't risking my life like you."

March 7th shyly released her arm from hugging Caelus. They had met by chance and helped each other, which could be considered a beautiful story. It was a pity that they wouldn't have any more interaction in the future. She would only remember that she had saved a grateful good person.

"Caelus, did you see something just now?"

Himeko asked with concern. In her life, she had never seen someone as peculiar as Caelus. Not only did he survive taking a Destruction cannon head-on, but he could even absorb that Stellaron back into his body. Was that something a human could do?

"Yes, I saw a white-haired man. He just stared at me like that for a long time, lusting after my body. How vulgar."

Caelus described his experience. When he mentioned that the lecherous giant had golden cracks on him, and it seemed like golden blood was flowing within, Himeko's expression became extremely strange.

"What you saw was actually an Aeon, the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook."

Himeko's smile was a little strange as she said this. Ordinary people could never face an Aeon in their lifetime. Young Caelus was quite clever, cursing him as vulgar right from the start. Fortunately, the Aeon didn't bother with him.

"What? Himeko, are you sure? Why would a simpleton like him see an Aeon?"

March 7th was completely taken aback. She hadn't even seen an Aeon. Regardless of whether this was fortunate or not, Nanook was the most notorious Aeon in the universe, a T1 level. As for the T0 Great Bug, it was long dead, and the grass on its grave was probably quite tall.

"Aeons also have the capacity to think, but not many things can attract Their attention. The reason They cast Their gaze upon you is likely because Caelus's miraculous nature attracted Them. Furthermore, those who are noticed by an Aeon are often blessed by the Aeon. This means you have likely embarked on the Path of Destruction now."

Himeko said to Caelus. Being glanced at by an Aeon was already immense fortune for anyone. Just like Caelus, who did nothing, he had received the blessing of Destruction.

"?"

Caelus pulled open his clothes and looked at his chest. Although there was nothing there, he could vaguely sense an imprint resembling a shattered high tower on his body.

"What is that guy thinking, taking me as his subordinate? I haven't even agreed to that yet."

Caelus said unhappily. He had never thought about stepping onto the Path of Destruction. March 7th had said that the Anti-Matter Legion's actions were much better in comparison; they didn't do anything related to people at all. He wouldn't even do it if Nanook himself designated him as a subordinate.

"You don't need to agree. Aeons do whatever they want, and you've seen what the Anti-Matter Legion does," Himeko said.

"It's over. I'm tainted. What's the difference between this and a mark of shame?"

Caelus clutched his head and wailed. He could already imagine himself dating in the future, and when his girlfriend asked him about his Path, he'd say Destruction and then be looked at like trash. It might even affect his civil service exams.

"Of course, it's not like that. There are many people on the Path of Destruction. The power of this Path is just power; it won't change your thinking ability, at least not until you become an Envoy."

Himeko said softly, comforting him. This made Caelus feel a little better. So, people only hated Nanook and the Anti-Matter Legion, not the Path of Destruction itself.

"I get it. So, my status as a subordinate isn't high enough. I need to become an Envoy to collude with an Aeon."

Caelus was relieved. He decided he'd just slack off from now on. He'd use the power of Destruction as little as possible. If he could still become an Envoy this way, then Nanook must be blind.

"Let's go. We'll go back to find Asta. You and Acheron played a crucial role in defeating the Doomsday Beast, and she'll definitely thank you."

Himeko said with a smile. She felt like she had found a treasure. A young Stellaron Hunter who had been noticed by Nanook was the best person to keep by her side for observation. She needed to find a way to get him on board.

When they arrived, the group looked solemn, but when they left, they were all smiles. March 7th had returned to her usual goofy self and was already thinking about what to eat when they got back.

"A'Quan, what Path are you on?"

Caelus was learning about the concept of Paths for the first time. It was like an attribute of power, and he was naturally curious about Acheron, the strongest member of their group.

"Pathstrider. Of course, I'm on The Hunt."

Acheron said calmly. This was a lie. She wasn't good at lying, but it was a well-intentioned one. Knowing too much wouldn't benefit anyone else. If she were to explain, her identity as a Pathstrider would fall apart, so she had to lie appropriately.

"Oh, I haven't heard of that Path."

Caelus knew very little about Paths. He didn't even know how many Aeons there were in the universe. Each Aeon represented a Path, and those who could gain the power of a Path were considered the cream of the crop among intelligent beings. Most people were actually destined to be without these powers.

"It's the same as Dan Heng. By the way, I'm The Preservation."

March 7th said to Caelus with a smile, mentioning Dan Heng's Path and her own.

"No wonder you can give me protection. Yo xi yo xi yo xi, good, good, good."

Caelus didn't understand what the Path of Preservation did, but judging by March 7th's demeanor, he knew it was a Path meant to protect others. So, he happily hugged March 7th's cheeks and ruffled her pink hair.

"Stop ruffling my face and hair!"

March 7th said reluctantly, but she didn't push Caelus away. After all, he was her savior. The story of a hero saving a beauty, when it happened to her, naturally made her feel a lot.

PS, please collect, recommend, and vote monthly.

Chapter 10: Rich Woman, You're Just Looking for Trouble, I'm Starving!

When the group returned to the main control room of the Space Station, Asta was already there to greet them. She knew that the Doomsday Beast was not an enemy that this Space Station could handle, but with the help of external reinforcements, they had driven it away, saving many lives. As the station master, she naturally had to thank them in person.

"Thank you, everyone from the Express crew. I won't let you risk your lives for nothing. Just say what you want. I might not have other things, but I do have some Credits."

Asta bowed and thanked Himeko and the others. She had only been able to watch them fight desperately from behind the monitor, and she naturally felt uneasy. Necessary gratitude was certainly required; otherwise, she might not have survived today.

March 7th showed a pained expression. She knew how much "some Credits" Asta was referring to. Credits were the universal electronic currency of the universe, and the number Asta could control was roughly equivalent to the difference in combat power between mortals and Aeons.

"You."

Before Himeko could speak, Caelus pointed his finger at Asta. The station master blinked slightly, pointing at herself, and was momentarily confused.

"Heh heh, when giving gifts, you don't give yourself, do you? Dream on. Besides, I'm only one person. You can't possibly divide me among the Express crew."

After realizing what Caelus meant, Asta brushed off his unreasonable request with a light laugh. She wasn't angry but made a smooth joke. Caelus became a little dejected, his expression clearly showing it, which amused Asta.

"Wait, isn't Caelus your subordinate?"

March 7th raised her hand and said. She heard Asta refer to the people on the Express crew, but she hadn't included Caelus as a companion, nor had she registered him for the train.

"No, isn't he one of your crew members?" Asta retorted with confusion.

"What about Acheron?"

"She's not either. Aren't those strange clothes the standard for your Express?"

Asta's words were a bit hurtful. March 7th looked at her own beautiful dress and felt she was definitely referring to Dan Heng.

Everyone's gaze turned to Caelus and Acheron. Their identities were currently unknown, and they didn't belong to any particular faction, making them worth investigating. After all, the Anti-Matter Legion also had masterminds; perhaps they were playing a trick and planting spies.

"Everyone, look at me. I have an announcement to make."

Caelus pushed away March 7th, who was supporting him, and walked to the center of the crowd, raising his hands and shouting. Everyone was looking at him, which made Caelus a little embarrassed, but he still said it.

"I was born here. My mom can testify."

Caelus's words made Asta's eyes widen. That statement was as unbelievable as trying to fool a ghost. This was a Space Station, not a hospital. How could anyone be born here? Pregnant crew members were sent to Mercury below the Space Station to gestate; there were no birth records here.

"I got lost and ended up here. My destination is Penacony."

Acheron also gave her explanation for her arrival. This made Asta very speechless. She felt that her Space Station should have external defenses, so how could anyone get lost and come in?

"Where is Penacony?"

March 7th asked curiously. Among the people around her, only Himeko could answer this question. The universe was unimaginably vast; almost no one could remember the names and routes of all the planets.

"About... one light-year away?"

Himeko gave a vague answer, saying that calculating the distance was still difficult, and no one would actually travel at light speed; they usually moved by means of space jumps or similar methods.

"This is too far, how did you get lost all the way here?"

March 7th was not feeling well. Generally, getting lost should happen near the destination, right? This distance couldn't even be described as outrageous. Moreover, this was a space station not open to the public, so how they got in was very puzzling.

"My sense of direction is a bit poor."

Acheron raised her right hand, reached into her left sleeve, and took out a white fruit. She brought it to her lips and took a bite. Judging by the texture and color of the fruit, it should be a very crisp peach.

Caelus watched Acheron enjoy the peach. He remembered that he hadn't eaten anything since he was born, and couldn't help but show a look of longing. Seeing this, Acheron took another peach from her sleeve and handed it to Caelus.

"Thanks, Acheron."

After taking the peach, Caelus couldn't wait to take a bite. The fruit looked hard, but it melted in his mouth. It could only be described as very fresh and very delicious.

"This is delicious, is it something you like to eat?"

Caelus asked Acheron while eating the peach. The peach looked like her staple food. Understanding a friend's preferences was an important aspect.

"It gathers the joy and sweetness of life, yet it is also fragile and fleeting... Such regrets are inevitable, so let them be."

Acheron spoke slowly, which made Caelus, who wasn't very educated, pause. After thinking for a moment, he felt she was probably sighing about how delicious the peach was, just expressed in a more literary way. This also showed that Acheron wasn't just a martial artist who only knew how to train, but an educated person who had read books, perhaps even a young lady from a prominent family.

"Sigh, they don't seem like bad people to me. Even if they were, they're quite cute. Let's put that aside for now. Damn Doomsday Beast, once I order a Star Destroyer, it'll know its mistake."

Asta watched Caelus and Acheron's simple exchange and no longer cared about investigating their identities. She had seen clearly before that Acheron, in the form of a Doomsday Beast's loving mother, had beaten it up, while Caelus had blocked the Doomsday Beast's fatal attack. She didn't want to provoke either of them.

"Star Destroyer?"

Caelus was very interested in this term. He bit into the peach and walked over to Asta, naturally looking at the interstellar market on her phone screen with her.

"Yeah, the kind that can blow up a planet with one shot. Exciting, right?"

Asta explained. She was preparing to find some powerful bodyguards for her space station. The Doomsday Beast was a weapon against planets, and she wanted a weapon against planets too, to have a showdown if necessary.

"That's so exciting, I want one."

"No problem. I said I'd give you a thank-you gift, so I'll arrange a Star Destroyer for you."