Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu decides to take the four girls under his command.
• He orders them to familiarize themselves with their surroundings before discussing refitting and upgrades in a few days.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu demonstrates his authority and wisdom as a commander by giving practical first orders.
• Sirius shows her loyalty and dedication by staying behind to formally pledge her allegiance to Jiang Lianqiu.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: Sirius's actions highlight her commitment and devotion to finding a worthy master.
• Hierarchy and Order: Jiang Lianqiu establishes his position as the commander, setting expectations and rules for his new team.

Character Interactions

• Hood leads the group in bidding farewell to Jiang Lianqiu, showing respect for his authority.
• Victory and Radiance interact, with Radiance educating Victory about Sirius's loyalty and the importance of Sirius's private moment with Jiang Lianqiu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Cloud Cavalry, led by Su Shang, faces a charging Buli hunting pack.
• The cavalry unleashes a massive barrage of light arrows, causing explosions that temporarily halt the Buli's advance.
• Despite heavy losses, the Buli hunting pack continues to charge, now even faster.
• Su Shang engages the enemy, demonstrating her combat skills by slicing through a Buli beastman with a single sword strike.

Character Developments

• Su Shang proves her combat prowess and leadership, inspiring her comrades.
• The raw recruits show they've learned from their "Illusion" special training, adapting quickly to the battlefield.

Significant Themes

• Bravery and Resilience: Both the Cloud Cavalry and the Buli hunting pack display unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Teamwork and Strategy: The Cloud Cavalry's coordinated attack, involving both melee and ranged combatants, highlights the importance of teamwork and strategic planning.

Character Interactions

• Su Shang and her comrades fight side by side, showing camaraderie and trust in each other's abilities.
• Su Shang's actions inspire her comrades, demonstrating her role as a leader.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Time resumes after being frozen.
• Buli pack falls from the sky, turning into black ash on a frost-covered ground.
• Grand Duke of Netherflame Afurit appears, confronting Jiang Lianqiu.
• Jiang Lianqiu expresses confusion and excitement at Afurit's presence.
• Afurit reveals his intention to destroy the Xianzhou.
• Jiang Lianqiu decides to use Afurit as a test subject for his combat power.
• The Nameless train arrives near an unnamed planet, detecting signs of combat involving the Xianzhou Alliance.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu shows eagerness to test his combat power without relying on time-stopping cheats.
• Afurit's initial intention to recruit Jiang Lianqiu is suppressed due to Jiang's disrespectful gaze.

Significant Themes

• Power and its responsible use (Jiang Lianqiu's desire to test his combat power).
• The consequences of reckless ambition (Afurit's plan to destroy the Xianzhou).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu and Afurit's confrontation sets the stage for a potential battle.
• Himeko, March 7th, Welt, and Dan Heng discuss their course of action upon arriving at the unnamed planet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu, a potential future Lord of The Hunt, saves the Cloud Cavalry and a merchant caravan from a Buli Xiquan Hunter Pack led by Grand Duke of Netherflame Afurit.
• Afurit reveals that Jiang Lianqiu might be a future general of the Xianzhou Alliance before dying.
• Jiang Lianqiu meets Himeko and March 7th, Nameless from the Stellar Railway's Express crew.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu demonstrates his prowess as a fighter and gains respect from the Cloud Cavalry recruits, who start addressing him as "Big Brother."
• Su Shang, a top recruit of the Cloud Cavalry, shows affection towards Jiang Lianqiu, hinting at a possible relationship.
• Himeko and March 7th, initially tense, relax and interact with Jiang Lianqiu and Su Shang.

Significant Themes

• Camaraderie and brotherhood among soldiers, as seen in the Cloud Cavalry recruits' reaction to Jiang Lianqiu.
• Potential future roles and expectations, as hinted by Afurit's dying words and Jiang Lianqiu's possible connection to the Xianzhou Alliance.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu and Su Shang show a friendly, affectionate dynamic, with Su Shang openly displaying her fondness for Jiang Lianqiu.
• Himeko and March 7th interact with Jiang Lianqiu and Su Shang, with March 7th showing amusement at the Cloud Cavalry recruits' behavior.
• The Cloud Cavalry recruits express their admiration and respect for Jiang Lianqiu, addressing him as "Big Brother" and vying for his attention.

Chapter Summary

Plot and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu expresses interest in the Trailblaze and, especially, the Trailblaze Beacon, despite being unable to become a Nameless for “objective reasons.”
• Himeko invites him to stay aboard the Astral Express temporarily, assuring him that he may come and go freely. Jiang accepts and says he will remain for several days.
• Through a mental communication with Belfast, Jiang informs his household of his plans. Belfast offers to send Sirius with him, but Jiang refuses because taking someone across worlds has not yet been tested and could be dangerous.
• Jiang explains that his communication method relies on spiritual power rather than technology, further impressing Himeko and March.
• Su Shang prepares to travel separately to the Xianzhou Luofu and asks Jiang to visit her there. She promises to show him around once she becomes familiar with the ship.
• Jiang says goodbye to Su Shang and the Cloud Knights, then returns to the Astral Express with Himeko and March.
• Welt and Dan Heng meet Jiang when he arrives. Himeko explains the circumstances of his arrival, while Jiang quietly studies the crew and train.
• Pom-Pom insists that Jiang, Himeko, and March clean their shoes before entering the freshly cleaned train carriage. March playfully helps Jiang use the shoe-cleaning machine.
• Welt observes that March seems unusually enthusiastic around Jiang. March teases Dan Heng for acting like an old man, unintentionally causing Welt—“Uncle Yang”—to feel personally affected.
• Jiang privately reflects that, considering Dan Heng’s history with the Cloud-Piercing Five, Dan Heng may actually be the oldest person present.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu: Takes a major step toward joining the Astral Express temporarily, showing increased openness to the Trailblaze and its technology. He demonstrates caution and responsibility by refusing to bring Sirius across worlds until the risks are understood. His spiritual communication ability and mysterious background continue to distinguish him from ordinary people.
• Himeko: Welcomes Jiang warmly and diplomatically, offering him freedom aboard the train despite his inability to become a Nameless. She acts as the primary bridge between Jiang and the Express crew.
• March 7th: Becomes immediately curious and friendly toward Jiang, enthusiastically helping him settle into the train. Her playful teasing and eagerness suggest that she already feels comfortable with him.
• Su Shang: Shows strong affection and trust toward Jiang, encouraging him to visit the Luofu. Her excitement about guiding him there reinforces their close relationship.
• Welt and Dan Heng: Receive Jiang cautiously but without hostility. Welt takes a mature, observant stance, while Dan Heng remains quiet and reserved.
• Belfast and Sirius: Though they do not appear directly, their concern for Jiang and readiness to support him emphasize the organized household and unusual resources surrounding him.

Significant Themes

• Cross-world travel and discovery: Jiang’s planned journey on the Express expands the story’s focus beyond local conflicts and toward exploration of other worlds and technologies.
• Trust and integration: The Express crew accepts Jiang despite his mysteries, while Jiang cautiously begins entering their social circle.
• Technology versus spiritual power: Jiang’s mental communication works without external tools, contrasting with the technological systems of the Astral Express and the company-dominated Xianzhou Yaoqing.
• Responsibility and caution: Jiang’s refusal to bring Sirius across worlds highlights the dangers of experimentation and his willingness to prioritize safety over convenience.
• Age, identity, and appearances: The chapter humorously contrasts outward youth with actual age and experience, particularly through Dan Heng’s hidden past and the crew’s assumptions about one another.

Character Interactions

• Himeko formally invites Jiang aboard the Express, and he accepts.
• Jiang communicates with Belfast while March watches in confusion, prompting discussion of his spiritual abilities.
• Su Shang warmly bids Jiang farewell and asks him to meet her on the Luofu; Jiang responds affectionately by rubbing her head.
• Jiang receives a chorus of farewells from the Cloud Knights, showing the respect he has earned.
• Pom-Pom immediately establishes the train’s rules by demanding that Jiang clean his shoes.
• March takes Jiang by the hand and personally brings him to the shoe-cleaning machine, displaying her outgoing friendliness.
• Welt comments on March’s unusual enthusiasm, while March mocks Dan Heng’s seriousness and indirectly jokes about Welt’s age.
• Jiang silently observes the crew, maintaining his analytical and somewhat enigmatic perspective as he begins his temporary life aboard the Astral Express.

Key Plot Points and Events

• March 7th and Jiang Lianqiu engage in a chess game, with Jiang Lianqiu multitasking by reading about the Trailblaze Beacon.
• The Astral Express is attacked, revealed to be by the Anti-Matter Legion targeting the Herta Space Station.
• Jiang Lianqiu volunteers to stand outside the train to keep watch while the others focus on navigating through the blockade.

Character Developments

• March 7th shows determination to compete with Jiang Lianqiu but struggles to keep up with his abilities.
• Jiang Lianqiu demonstrates his exceptional memory and quick thinking, impressing Old Yang.

Significant Themes

• The vastness and emptiness of space, emphasizing the challenges of outer space combat.
• The importance of teamwork and individual roles in overcoming obstacles.

Character Interactions

• March 7th and Jiang Lianqiu's playful banter during their chess game.
• Jiang Lianqiu's concern for March 7th's well-being, showing a protective side.
• Himeko's worry and support for Jiang Lianqiu's decision to stand watch outside the train.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Welt and Jiang Lianqiu are on the Stellar Railway.
• Jiang Lianqiu suddenly has an idea to use time to manipulate space and increase their speed.
• He successfully simulates a black hole, eliminates enemies, and warps spacetime, allowing the train to break through defenses quickly.
• They arrive at Herta Space Station.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu demonstrates extraordinary learning ability and adaptability, mastering complex techniques quickly.
• Welt is shocked and impressed by Jiang Lianqiu's capabilities, questioning his own initial assessment of Jiang's potential.

Significant Themes

• Rapid Learning and Adaptability: Jiang Lianqiu's ability to quickly grasp and apply complex concepts.
• Unpredictability: Jiang Lianqiu's actions and potential continually surprise Welt and others.

Character Interactions

• Welt and Jiang Lianqiu: Welt is increasingly impressed and slightly intimidated by Jiang Lianqiu's abilities. Jiang, meanwhile, seems unfazed by the complexity of the techniques he's mastered.
• Welt's internal monologue reveals his growing realization of Jiang Lianqiu's true potential, hinting at a shift in their dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kafka and Silver Wolf encounter Jiang Lianqiu and March 7th, revealing that the Stellaron is now inside Stelle.
• Kafka asks them to take care of Stelle, then attempts to teleport away.
• March 7th tries to stop them but fails, and Kafka and Silver Wolf disappear.
• Stelle appears to be unconscious, worrying March 7th, who suggests CPR.

Character Developments

• Stelle: Displays a cunning side, faking unconsciousness to get Jiang Lianqiu to perform CPR.
• Kafka: Shows concern for Stelle's well-being, hinting at a deeper connection or responsibility.
• March 7th: Demonstrates concern and urgency in caring for Stelle, showing a protective side.
• Jiang Lianqiu: Remains calm and collected, taking charge of the situation.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Kafka feels responsible for Stelle's safety and well-being, asking Jiang Lianqiu and March 7th to take care of her.
• Deception: Stelle uses deception to get what she wants, highlighting her cunning and resourcefulness.
• Trust: The encounter between the groups involves a mix of trust and suspicion, with Kafka and Silver Wolf trying to leave and March 7th trying to stop them.

Character Interactions

• Kafka and Silver Wolf interact with Jiang Lianqiu and March 7th, revealing important information about Stelle and the Stellaron.
• Stelle interacts with Jiang Lianqiu, using her cunning to try and get him to perform CPR.
• March 7th and Jiang Lianqiu work together to try and help Stelle, showing a level of teamwork and concern for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Doomsday Beast, drawn by Star's presence, attacks the space station.
• Jiang Lianqiu handles the Doomsday Beast in space, while the train crew deals with surrounding Legion Voidmotes.
• Asta, the station commander, dispatches security teams to support the train crew.

Character Developments

• Star demonstrates her combat skills and aggression against the Voidmotes.
• Jiang Lianqiu shows his prowess in space combat and adapts to fighting in a vacuum.
• Asta exhibits her leadership and concern for her crew's safety.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Growth: Characters adapt to new environments and challenges, showcasing their resilience and growth.
• Teamwork: The train crew and station security work together to defend the space station.
• Power and Responsibility: Characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the power they wield.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu and Himeko team up to fight the Doomsday Beast, with Himeko providing orbital cannon support.
• Asta and Arlan communicate, with Asta sending security teams to support the train crew.
• Star vents her frustration on the Voidmotes, showing her unique personality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu and Asta meet after the space station crisis, establishing a friendly rapport.
• Herta returns, relieving the tension among the space station employees.
• Herta expresses interest in researching Stelle, the Stellar Core.
• Stelle, aware of her value, tries to negotiate with Jiang Lianqiu for better treatment.

Character Developments

• Stelle: She demonstrates cunning and opportunism, trying to leverage her status as the Stellar Core for personal gain.
• March 7th: She shows disapproval of Stelle's behavior, physically reprimanding her.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Stelle tries to assert her power and influence, while March 7th reaffirms her authority.
• Opportunism: Stelle's actions highlight her ability to seize opportunities for personal benefit.

Character Interactions

• Stelle and Jiang Lianqiu: Stelle tries to negotiate with Jiang Lianqiu, attempting to create a bond.
• March 7th and Stelle: March 7th disciplines Stelle for her behavior, reasserting her role as an authority figure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu admits to coming from another universe and seeking a universal method to break through cosmic barriers.
• Herta offers Jiang Lianqiu entry into her Simulated Universe, which can simulate an Acheron for him.
• Jiang Lianqiu enters the Simulated Universe, causing it to overload and malfunction, proving his extraordinary mental capabilities.
• Herta and Jiang Lianqiu make a bet: if he successfully breaks through cosmic barriers, she'll work on three projects for him; if he fails, he must cooperate with her research.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu: Demonstrates his unique abilities and agrees to the bet with Herta.
• Herta: Shows her competitive spirit and pride, offering to work on projects for Jiang Lianqiu if he wins the bet.
• Stelle: Initially hostile towards Jiang Lianqiu, but quickly changes her attitude after he wins the bet, showing her opportunistic nature.

Significant Themes

• The power of the human mind and its limitations in digital virtual worlds.
• Competition and the desire to prove oneself (seen in Herta's challenge to Jiang Lianqiu).
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents (illustrated when Herta's Simulated Universe overloads).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu and Herta: Engage in a bet, showcasing their competitive spirits and mutual respect.
• Jiang Lianqiu and Stelle: Initially hostile, but Stelle's attitude changes after Jiang Lianqiu wins the bet, highlighting her opportunistic nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with the Big Bang, and Herta senses a solution to a complex algorithm.
• She witnesses the birth of Jiang Lianqiu, a newborn with unusual significance.
• Herta is then transported to a data world where she encounters Aha, a data entity.
• Aha breaks through Herta's firewall, revealing it can help Herta with information about Acheron.
• Herta is ejected from the illusion, and back in her office, she discovers Jiang Lianqiu has simulated an Acheron with over 5% fidelity.

Character Developments

• Herta, the main character, shows curiosity, determination, and a hint of excitement at the end of the chapter.
• Jiang Lianqiu, the newborn, is revealed to have extraordinary abilities, simulating a Star God with high fidelity.
• Aha, the data entity, shows mischief, knowledge, and a desire for 'fun.'

Significant Themes

• The theme of creation and birth is evident, from the Big Bang to Jiang Lianqiu's birth.
• The exploration of consciousness and self-awareness is another key theme, seen in Aha's self-awareness and Jiang Lianqiu's simulated Acheron's lack of it.
• The struggle between control and chaos is shown in Herta's firewall and Aha's breach of it.

Character Interactions

• Herta interacts with Aha, showing a mix of caution and curiosity.
• Herta observes Jiang Lianqiu, showing intrigue and surprise at his abilities.
• There's no direct interaction between Herta and Jiang Lianqiu in this chapter.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• After finishing a meal, Jiang Lianqiu learns that Von Noymiau has completed her experiments ahead of schedule at Experiment Site Four.
• Jiang, Sirius, and Belfast go to the site carrying the Trailblaze Beacon recovered from the Honkai: Star Rail universe.
• Jiang explains that the beacon might allow them to activate Trailblaze connections and potentially open paths to other worlds.
• Von Noymiau prepares the equipment, and Jiang successfully authorizes the beacon.
• The activation produces energy resembling a Path, confirming the presence of both the Trailblaze and Hunt Paths in their universe.
• Von Noymiau discovers that the activation has caused their universe to fulfill the theoretical conditions necessary for Paths to exist. She theorizes that the combined presence of the Hunt and Trailblaze energies created the required foundation.
• Jiang initially assumes that only he can use the beacon, but Sirius, Belfast, Radiance, Hood, and Victory all sense that they may be able to activate or use it as well.
• Von Noymiau theorizes that their strong Mental Links with Jiang may allow them to bypass the normal requirement of being Trailblazers. She calls this “unauthorized” use and plans to study it as a possible step toward independently opening passages between worlds.
• Hood discusses the military and security implications, noting that the beacon’s restrictions prevent uncontrolled cross-world travel. Belfast encourages Hood to begin taking responsibility for military affairs.
• Hood, Radiance, Victory, and Sirius compete to be the first experimental traveler. Jiang ultimately chooses Sirius to accompany him.
• Just as they are about to begin, Von Noymiau volunteers to join them so they can test whether someone without the necessary qualifications can travel if escorted by an authorized user.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu becomes increasingly aware that the Ship Girls may share access to powers and technologies linked to him through their Mental Links. He also begins considering the practical and strategic value of cross-world travel.
• Von Noymiau demonstrates scientific enthusiasm and rapidly adapts her research to the discovery of Path energy. Her excitement over the beacon reveals her intense curiosity, while her comments about “unauthorized use” show her tendency to frame discoveries in technical and regulatory terms.
• Sirius remains devoted and eager to serve Jiang. She is delighted when chosen for the experiment and reacts strongly to his attention.
• Belfast acts as a composed senior figure, observing Sirius’s behavior and encouraging Hood’s growth into a leadership role.
• Hood shows increasing responsibility and military awareness. She focuses on security, logistics, border control, and the dangers of unrestricted interworld travel, while modestly acknowledging her limited experience.
• Radiance remains cheerful and socially energetic, supporting Hood while turning every occasion into a potential tea party. She also confidently volunteers for the experiment.
• Victory is enthusiastic and competitive, eager to participate, though Jiang’s physical restraint causes her unexpected embarrassment.

Significant Themes

• Exploration and expansion: The Trailblaze Beacon represents a new way to reach unknown worlds and potentially establish active interuniversal travel.
• Science versus the unknown: Von Noymiau attempts to translate supernatural Path concepts into physical laws and mathematical models.
• Connection and shared identity: The Ship Girls’ possible access to the beacon appears linked to their Mental Links with Jiang, suggesting that emotional or spiritual bonds can grant access to extraordinary powers.
• Control and responsibility: The characters recognize that unrestricted world-hopping could create security, military, and immigration problems. Power must therefore be carefully regulated.
• Adaptation to new roles: Hood’s transition toward military administration reflects the group’s broader effort to adapt to life in an interstellar and multiversal setting.
• Humorous character dynamics: Scientific discoveries and potentially universe-changing events are repeatedly undercut by banter, flirtation, ceremonial eccentricity, and the Ship Girls’ rivalry over who can accompany Jiang.

Character Interactions

• Belfast watches Sirius’s distracted, suggestive behavior with amused resignation.
• Jiang teases Von Noymiau about her ceremonial greetings and corrects her attempts at casual conversation.
• Von Noymiau and Jiang collaborate closely, with her providing analysis and him supplying practical knowledge from the Star Rail universe.
• Jiang and Von Noymiau debate whether the Ship Girls resemble followers of the Elation or Harmony Paths.
• Hood gives a pragmatic military assessment of the beacon, earning Belfast’s approval and Jiang’s encouragement.
• Radiance enthusiastically supports Hood but is reprimanded for already planning an afternoon tea celebration before Hood has even begun her new duties.
• Sirius, Radiance, Victory, and Hood all compete to test the beacon, revealing their loyalty to one another and their desire to protect their companions.
• Jiang chooses Sirius, greatly pleasing her, but Von Noymiau immediately complicates the plan by proposing an additional experiment involving escorted travel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu discusses with Von Noymiau about creating backup units, with Von Noymiau being more proficient in multitasking than Herta.
• Jiang Lianqiu decides to wait for Von Noymiau's experiment results before re-authorizing the Trailblaze Beacon.
• He leaves the beacon with Sirius, instructing her not to touch it.
• Jiang Lianqiu declines dinner but agrees to take a bath with Sirius.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu: Shows patience and understanding, willing to wait for Von Noymiau's results. He also shows affection towards Sirius, agreeing to bathe with her.
• Von Noymiau: Demonstrates advanced multitasking capabilities, hinting at her efficiency and ruthlessness.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Planning: Jiang Lianqiu's decision to wait for Von Noymiau's results before re-authorizing the beacon highlights his strategic thinking.
• Affection and Intimacy: Jiang Lianqiu's agreement to bathe with Sirius shows a growing bond between them.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu and Von Noymiau: They discuss work-related matters, showing a professional relationship.
• Jiang Lianqiu and Sirius: They have a casual, affectionate interaction. Jiang Lianqiu's decision to bathe with Sirius shows he's comfortable with their intimacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu realizes that the Trailblaze Beacon can be used by him and potentially others in his world.
• He discovers that the mecha servants, despite being on the Path of the Trailblazer, cannot use the beacon.
• Jiang Lianqiu tests the beacon with Belfast, Sirius, and the Radiance sisters, who all confirm they can use it.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu: Shows curiosity and initiative in exploring the beacon's functionality.
• Belfast, Sirius, and the Radiance sisters: Display surprise and interest in the beacon's usability.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ability: The beacon's usability highlights Jiang Lianqiu's unique abilities and the potential powers of those around him.
• Discovery and Exploration: The chapter emphasizes the process of discovering and understanding new aspects of their world.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu interacts with Von Noymiau, Belfast, Sirius, and the Radiance sisters to test the beacon.
• The group shares a moment of confusion, surprise, and curiosity, leading to a collaborative exploration of the beacon's capabilities.

Chapter Summary

Jiang Lianqiu explains to Himeko and March 7th that his recent experiment succeeded in allowing people from another world to travel through the Stellar Railway’s connection. He also reveals that the two young women he encountered are not Nameless and do not follow the Path of the Trailblaze, raising questions about how his transportation method differs from that of ordinary Nameless.
Jiang asks Himeko for additional Trailblaze Beacons. Although their materials and construction are relatively simple, the beacons require power left within the Stellar Railway by Acheron, the Aeon of Preservation—energy that is also necessary for creating routes through space. Until Von Noymiau can uncover the technology behind this power, Himeko will remain the main source of the beacons.
Himeko willingly agrees to help, arguing that Trailblazing should not belong exclusively to the Nameless. She sees Jiang’s efforts to establish routes between worlds as a legitimate and unique form of Trailblaze. However, she is intrigued by his ability to transport other people, something even the Astral Express crew cannot normally do.
Von Noymiau then proposes leaving researchers from the consciousness node behind to establish a research base. She believes the new world is especially valuable for studying Paths, though communication between the two sides would be difficult. Himeko suggests using Trailblaze Beacons as signal relays, explaining that they once served as the foundation of interstellar communication before the Company’s faster universal network was developed. Von Noymiau eagerly requests the beacons’ technical manuals, and Himeko promises to provide them.
The conversation becomes more personal and cooperative as Jiang promises to assist Himeko whenever needed, while Himeko expresses excitement about visiting his side of the connection. March 7th enthusiastically asks to accompany her, complaining that the Astral Express’s repairs have left her bored at the Space Station. Jiang also invites Asta, who immediately accepts and begins arranging a leave of absence. She excitedly asks whether she can bring her portable telescope, revealing her eagerness to explore the other world.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu demonstrates growing confidence as a bridge between worlds and takes responsibility for expanding the Trailblaze network.
• Himeko shows her characteristic generosity and open-mindedness, recognizing Jiang’s work as a valid form of Trailblazing and offering practical technical support.
• Von Noymiau remains focused on research and strategic planning, proposing a permanent base and seeking ways to overcome communication problems.
• March 7th is energetic and curious, eagerly volunteering for the expedition.
• Asta responds with immediate enthusiasm, combining her scientific interests with a childlike excitement about seeing another world.
• The group develops a stronger sense of cooperation, with the Astral Express crew and the researchers preparing to work together across universes.

Significant Themes

• Trailblaze beyond tradition: The chapter broadens the meaning of Trailblazing beyond the official Nameless, emphasizing exploration, connection, and discovery.
• Communication and cooperation: Trailblaze Beacons symbolize not only travel but also the creation of links between isolated worlds and civilizations.
• Scientific curiosity: Von Noymiau and Asta’s interest in research and astronomy highlights the value of knowledge gained through exploration.
• Bridging worlds: Jiang’s ability to transport people represents a new stage in interworld contact, potentially surpassing the limitations of even the Astral Express.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Asta buys a ship and requests customizations, including a pink color, a star marking, and a Pepe figure on the bow.
• Jiang Lianqiu reveals that his forces don't need money or resources, as his combat mecha servants work on credit.
• The group tours the starport, and Asta stargazes, asking about a starless region caused by past warfare.
• Himeko returns with Stelle, revealing Jiang Lianqiu's secret tour.

Character Developments

• Asta demonstrates her wealth and unique tastes, showing no qualms about spending money on her ship's customization.
• Jiang Lianqiu reveals his vast resources and the self-sustaining nature of his forces, hinting at his immense power.
• March 7th shows envy towards Asta's wealth but also acknowledges Jiang Lianqiu's riches.
• Himeko returns, displaying her independence and curiosity about Jiang Lianqiu's activities.

Significant Themes

• Wealth & Power: The characters' displays of wealth and power, and the different ways they acquire and use it.
• Curiosity & Discovery: Asta's curiosity about the universe and Jiang Lianqiu's secrets.
• Secrets & Trust: Jiang Lianqiu's secret tour and Himeko's discovery, raising questions about trust among the group.

Character Interactions

• Asta and Jiang Lianqiu bond over their shared interest in technology and space.
• March 7th expresses envy towards Asta but also acknowledges Jiang Lianqiu's wealth.
• Himeko's return and discovery create tension, hinting at potential conflict or resolution among the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Utaha Kasumigaoka teases Jiang Lianqiu about contacting Su Shang, the "Shang Shang" in his world.
• Utaha offers to help manage Jiang's "garden" and implies a reward if he behaves well during a three-day holiday.
• Eriri interrupts, leading to a playful fight between her and Utaha on the sofa.
• Jiang shares his five senses with Su Shang and witnesses her getting hit by a hammer, causing her to panic about her chest size.

Character Developments

• Utaha shows a more proactive and caring side, taking responsibility for managing Jiang's "garden" and encouraging him to contact Su Shang.
• Eriri remains competitive and playful, engaging in a friendly fight with Utaha.

Significant Themes

• The theme of communication and connection between different worlds is emphasized through Utaha's encouragement to contact Su Shang.
• The theme of competition and rivalry is highlighted through Eriri and Utaha's playful fight.

Character Interactions

• Utaha and Jiang have a flirtatious interaction, with Utaha taking the lead and teasing Jiang.
• Eriri and Utaha's playful rivalry continues, with Eriri expressing dissatisfaction at their closeness and Utaha provoking her.
• Jiang shares a moment of concern with Su Shang, witnessing her reaction to getting hit by a hammer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• General Jing Yuan visits the merchant guild, where he meets Jiang Lianqiu.
• Jiang Lianqiu, aware of Jing Yuan's observation, engages him in conversation.
• They move to a private courtyard to discuss a transaction, with Tingyun present.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lianqiu demonstrates his boldness and directness in dealing with high-ranking figures like Jing Yuan.
• Tingyun shows understanding of the political landscape, preferring to avoid interactions with powerful figures but maintaining professionalism.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and social status are highlighted, with Jiang Lianqiu's confident demeanor contrasting with Tingyun's cautious approach.
• The theme of observation and awareness of one's surroundings is reinforced, as Jiang Lianqiu acknowledges Jing Yuan's surveillance.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu and Jing Yuan engage in a friendly yet guarded exchange, each trying to gauge the other's intentions.
• Tingyun, initially hesitant to involve herself with powerful figures, agrees to participate in their discussion at Jiang Lianqiu's request.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lianqiu shares crucial information about a future calamity with General Jing Yuan, who is grateful and promises assistance.
• Jiang Lianqiu requests Jing Yuan's help to establish a research base and distribute goods, which Jing Yuan agrees to.
• Jing Yuan offers Jiang Lianqiu citizenship, but he declines.

Character Developments

• Jing Yuan shows gratitude and willingness to help Jiang Lianqiu, demonstrating his trust in the information provided.
• Jiang Lianqiu shows interest in Xianzhou's technology and seeks to collaborate with Jing Yuan.
• Fu Xuan, a mysterious young girl, is revealed to be observing Jiang Lianqiu, finding him peculiar and vowing to uncover his secrets.

Significant Themes

• Trust and alliance: Jing Yuan trusts Jiang Lianqiu's information and offers assistance, while Jiang Lianqiu seeks Jing Yuan's help for his research base.
• Secrets and curiosity: Fu Xuan is intrigued by Jiang Lianqiu's secrets, hinting at potential future interactions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lianqiu and Jing Yuan: They establish a mutually beneficial relationship, with Jiang Lianqiu providing valuable information and Jing Yuan offering assistance.
• Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan: Jing Yuan consults Fu Xuan about Jiang Lianqiu, and she expresses curiosity about his secrets.