Star Rail: Can't I Just Peacefully Do Commissions? Chapter 43

The Tiger Talisman and the Age-Age Fruit gave him quite a bit of confidence, especially the Tiger Talisman, which offered some hope for resolving the spiritual issues of these people.

"For treatment, use this. It can mend anything that's broken..."

A special Noble Phantasm originating from Medea Lily, it was essentially a special Magecraft Noble Phantasm passed down from the magical goddess Hecate. While it couldn't reach the level of Manipulation like time regression, it could automatically calculate and repair damage based on an object's flaws, restoring it to its original state.

It was equivalent to a Noble Phantasm version of Crazy Diamond.

Of course, Just like Crazy Diamond, it couldn't save those who had already breathed their last.

He projected a staff, forcefully adapting its original effects and performance using Aether Editing. When the Noble Phantasm was activated and Mana was injected into the bodies of the Cloud-Knight Army, a large amount of Imaginary energy began to reconstruct their original physical forms.

In just a few dozen seconds, the Cloud-Knight's broken limbs, and even a severed arm, were perfectly restored to their original state. The Cloud-Knight stood up in disbelief, then moved his body. After a while, he suddenly knelt before Shirou Emiya.

"Divine doctor, could you please continue to rescue our comrades?"

"There's no need for such a grand gesture. Just transfer them to me."

"I'll go now!"

March 7th and Asta didn't stand idly by, and even Welt joined in as a porter. In just three to five minutes, the wounded soldiers were lying all over the ground, at least twenty of them. Shirou Emiya quickly began treating the most severely injured.

About forty minutes later, the more than twenty Cloud-Knights, whose bodies had been fully restored, all knelt on one knee and expressed their gratitude to Shirou Emiya and the others.

"Divine doctor, we are immensely grateful for your assistance. While it may be a bit shameless to bring this up again, our Cloud-Knight comrades are still fighting desperately against the Abundance fiends ahead. We were wondering if you could accompany us. We Cloud-Knights will ensure your safety, and we only hope you can continue to help treat the wounded."

"No problem, let's continue. If there are any Cloud-Knights who haven't yet become Abundance fiends, you can bring them to me to try."

"You mean... 980?!"

"It's just an attempt."

The expression beneath the Cloud-Knight's mask became extremely excited. Mara-struck wasn't something that only afflicted the Cloud-Knight Army; it was a problem plaguing the entire Xianzhou Alliance. If this unknown doctor truly had a solution for Mara-struck, even on a small scale, it could preserve more combat power for Xianzhou.

"Your kindness is immeasurable. If we survive this battle, and you have any commands in the future, we will gladly go through fire and water without hesitation!"

"I, Xiao Yan, second that."

"I am Luo Feng."

"I am Ye Fan."

"I am Su Bai."

"Through fire and water, without hesitation!"

The Cloud-Knights swore in unison. Shirou Emiya couldn't help but touch his nose as he listened to the increasingly 'terrifying' names of these Cloud-Knights. If this weren't the Star Rail universe but a wuxia or fantasy setting, even if the people shouting these names were just kids, Mr. Emiya felt he wouldn't need to strive for anything anymore.

But unfortunately...

If there were a few old-school surnames like "Ye," "Jun," "Ling," or "Long," Mr. Emiya would feel there was some potential.

However...

These surnames like Lin, Xiao, Su, and Ye were a bit too plain for a gacha game.

Chapter 088: We're here on Xianzhou to find our relatives! (5/5)

"Mara-struck is a 'transformation' that the Celestials encounter after reaching a certain age. You can call it a 'calamity' or a 'trial,' it doesn't matter."

"Calamity? Trial? Divine doctor, you speak of it so lightly. If Mara-struck were truly a calamity or trial that could be overcome, we Xianzhou residents wouldn't be living in fear of the Ten Lords Commandment."

"Some intra-realm civilizations that haven't yet reached interstellar civilization view death as the end of life. They believe that when a person dies, their body perishes, and their soul goes to a pure land or the underworld... Compared to those romanticized imaginations, for us Celestials, even surviving until the day of our own demise is a luxury. Our Xianzhou underworld... is also on Xianzhou. Doesn't that feel a bit too realistic?"

One Cloud-Knight seemed to carry some sadness. Judging by his voice, he was quite old, and perhaps because of that, his reaction to Mara-struck was even more intense.

"Realistic? Among intra-realm civilizations, there are those who spend their entire lives, even generations, working in the funeral industry. If you say that, aren't they despairing from the moment they start working in the funeral industry, since they deal with coffins every day and are certain they'll end up in one sooner or later?"

"Divine doctor, I do not fear death. What I fear... is Mara-struck. It is becoming someone else, no longer myself. If I can detect the change in advance and still have some strength left, I would prefer to control my own demise."

Do not advise kindness without experiencing their suffering.

Shirou Emiya opened and closed his mouth, ultimately saying nothing more. In his two lifetimes combined, he probably hadn't lived as long as this person had in their childhood. Moreover, the Xianzhou Celestials had been screened and optimized generation after generation, and these Cloud-Knights were the elite of the elite. Their thinking abilities wouldn't be narrower than his, someone who had spent decades in intra-realm civilizations.

"If the divine doctor has a solution, from the Emperor Bow and the Marshal above, down to all living beings on Xianzhou, they will all be deeply grateful for your immense kindness. At that time, if you have any requests, the Xianzhou Alliance will spare no effort."

Another "spare no effort."

Mr. Emiya shrugged slightly. He wished he truly had a solution for Mara-struck, but unfortunately, it was a blessing bestowed by the God of Abundance. Even with the countless geniuses in genetics and biology across the current universe, it couldn't be solved, so it was clearly not something that could be eradicated through simple physical treatment.

"Captain, some of our brothers up ahead have developed Mara-struck. Those brothers are currently pursuing a group of members from the Celestial Ship Department."

"...Prepare for combat!"

The older Cloud-Knight, who had been conversing with Shirou Emiya, rushed out of the formation without hesitation, followed closely by the other Cloud-Knights. They subtly shielded Shirou Emiya and the others within their formation, marching in an orderly fashion towards the designated direction.

About three minutes later, upon reaching the location specified by the Cloud-Knight scout, they saw a group of bizarre humanoid creatures with strange golden branches growing from their bodies, encasing them in bio-mechanical armor.

"Attack."

The leading Cloud-Knight captain coldly issued the order, and the remaining Cloud-Knights quickly surrounded them. Perhaps it was the morale of desperate soldiers, or perhaps it was knowing that killing these monsters was to reclaim the honor of their comrades, but the battle ended quickly. Some Cloud-Knights even charged forward without regard for their own casualties.

After the battle, the Cloud-Knight squad of over twenty people was almost all wounded, while the spoils of war were nearly double the number of Abundance fiends they had eliminated.

"Brother Yunfei, it's a good thing you arrived in time. Otherwise... in a little while longer, I, Old Li, would have had to follow in the footsteps of these bad boys."

A squad leader among the Cloud-Knights protecting the Celestial Ship Department members approached the Cloud-Knights protecting Shirou Emiya and the others and spoke to them.

"Brother Yun Fei, your squad is all injured. Hurry and take these people behind you and the members of the Celestial Ship Department away from the port. I and the brothers who can still fight will continue to guard this dock and await reinforcements."

"Alright, we also need to personally escort our honored guests to the Sichen Palace."

After some discussion, they took the wounded soldiers and, fighting and retreating, continuously moved towards the direction of the star-skiff dock. Upon reaching the star-skiff dock, the people from the Celestial Ship Department quickly began to star-skiff, sending the injured Cloud Knights and everyone else to the central area of the Xianzhou.

Deep within the Xianzhou, numerous star-skiffs streaked across the sky like shooting stars. Shirou Emiya was also quietly analyzing the star-skiff crafting process.

Strictly speaking, this thing should be called a "mount" rather than a simple means of transportation, because this thing, to be precise... is a living creature.

Its main material is a type of plant, more like a specifically cultivated plant that can absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. When running, it probably consumes only a few liters of water per hundred kilometers.

Cheaper than livestock, At least livestock would cry out when tired.

"Are you gentlemen very interested in the star-skiffs?"

At some point, a Foxkin girl came to Shirou Emiya and the others' side, smiling as she looked at them and spoke.

"These star-skiffs are the masterpiece of Master Gongshu from the Crafting Division of Luofu. In just a few hundred years, they have become the most numerous means of transportation within the Xianzhou. It is precisely because of this creation that the Celestial Ship Department headquarters is now located in Luofu, and star-skiffs have made great contributions."

"Why are you calling us benefactors?"

March 7th stared at the Foxkin girl who had approached them. For some reason, she felt inexplicably wary, always feeling that this woman was quite troublesome.

"You all saved the lives of those Cloud Knight brothers. If it weren't for your reinforcements, this humble girl would likely have perished."

"Hearing you say you would perish sounds a bit strange."

"Am I not worthy of that phrase, you fool?"

The Foxkin girl chuckled lightly and then introduced herself.

"My name is Tingyun. I serve as a ferryman under the Minghuo Commerce Guild, directly affiliated with the Celestial Ship Department. Today, I am indebted to you for your efforts in rescuing us. If you encounter any unsolvable matters on the Xianzhou, you can also contact me. I might have some means to help you."

"Is this the confidence that comes with being a local? Since that's the case, Asta, why don't you let her find the location of your uncle and your mother?"

"Oh? Are you all here on the Xianzhou to find relatives?"

The Foxkin girl smiled softly, looking at the gray-haired girl. A flicker of brilliance flashed in her pupils, and she asked again.

"Does this little benefactor have any photos of her relatives? If so, this humble girl can mobilize her resources to inquire about the news for you."

Asta fell into thought upon hearing this. She didn't actually have any photos of Kafka on hand. However, her gaze suddenly swept past the star-skiff outside, and she saw some 'missing person information' popping up on a large screen. She immediately laughed.

"That's my mom!"

Chapter 089: She Just Wants Some Startup Capital, What's Wrong With That?!

"...Your mother's bounty is quite high."

Standing in front of the central plaza of Xuanye Avenue, the Foxkin girl looked up at the screen displaying the charmingly smiling purple-haired woman. Then, she slightly lowered her gaze, pausing for a moment on the [Missing Person Reward Amount] for this purple-haired woman.

"10.8 billion Credits."

"Little benefactor, if this humble girl can truly find your mother, I estimate you won't have to worry for the rest of your life."

"My mom is worth that much?"

Little Grey Hair felt a surge of excitement, as if her Flame Spear and baseball bat were itching to be used. Kafka had essentially left her on the Astral Express without giving her any living expenses, so she had to find a way to earn some herself.

Well, even if she needed to rely on family connections a little, young people starting a business always needed some financial support from their families, right?

"So filial."

As if sensing Little Grey Hair's thoughts, Mr. Emiya couldn't help but chuckle.

"Esteemed benefactors, this humble girl still needs to go to the Sichen Palace to find the Lord Helmsman. Please wait here for a moment. You entered through Huixing Port and have not completed the transit procedures within Luofu. This humble girl needs to report to the Lord Helmsman as soon as possible to handle this matter."

Perhaps sensing that Asta and the others were not easy to deal with, the Foxkin girl had the thought of slipping away. She quickly rattled off a long string of words as if using High-Speed Divine Incantation and then fled as if escaping for her life.

"Serves her right for not being able to get rich."

Miss Asta sighed. March 7th immediately rolled her eyes. What kind of decent child would think of getting rich from their mother's wanted poster?

Your plan is outstandingly filial.

"Incompetent fellows are not worth discussing!"

"As the saying goes, no villain can be a true man!"

Miss Asta's expression was resolute, and she clenched her fist. Then, she stared at the wanted posters for Kafka and Blade, pondering for a moment.

"However, it's a bit inappropriate to target Kafka. Since that's the case, I'll have to trouble my old uncle."

"...You're completely incorrigible, aren't you!"

"Without startup capital, how can we have the opportunity to start a business? If you don't strive when you're young, will you regret not saving more money when you retire from the train? March 7th, March 7th, why are you so short-sighted!"

Miss Asta, as if heartbroken, stood on the 'moral high ground' and pointed fingers at her good friend. Little March looked at Shirou Emiya with confusion.

"Does... does she usually talk this much?"

"Is there a possibility that it's because her mother is here, and she feels she has parental backing?"

"I get it, a dog relying on a person's power."

"March, your vocabulary isn't precise enough. Come, say it with me... a dog relying on human power."

Mr. Welt smiled faintly as he looked at the group of young people who seemed quite relaxed. Although this was a temporarily arranged trailblazing location, if they could find simple, unpretentious joy during their Trailblaze Journey, it wouldn't have been in vain.

After a while of playing around, a staff member from the Celestial Ship Department arrived and led everyone to the Sichen Palace of the Celestial Ship Department. The main function of this building was to manage all transportation and personnel passage within the Luofu Xianzhou, making it a department with considerable real power.

Upon entering the Sichen Palace, Tingyun greeted them and led the group to another Foxkin woman.

"Allow me, your humble servant, to introduce you all, esteemed benefactors. This esteemed lady is the Navigator of the Celestial Ship Department, Lord Yukong. I have already explained your situations to Lord Navigator, but she still has a few questions she'd like you to answer."

Her smooth, long green hair cascaded down her back. She wore a style of qipao that was a variation of traditional Japanese attire, and its cloud-white design perfectly complemented her elegant features.

Her features were even more refined than Tingyun's, possessing a mature and alluring charm. Her brows held a hint of heroism, and her expression exuded a maternal fortitude.

After Tingyun finished her introduction, the Navigator slowly lowered her gaze. Her eyes, the color of pomegranates, swept over everyone before she spoke directly.

"You all entered through Huixing Port. By rights, I should arrest you all for illegal entry. However, you have assisted the Cloud Knights, and if I were to dwell on such a minor detail, it would make my Luofu seem ungenerous."

"However, it seems someone among you claims to be associated with the Stellaron Hunters. Can you give me an answer?"

"She got greedy!"

March 7th, thinking quickly, pointed at Little Grey Hair beside her.

"She saw the bounty on those Stellaron Hunters."

"..."

Yukong's gaze fell upon Little Grey Hair, who in turn glared back at her and said, "It was your Tingyun who said she could help us resolve some troubles. We're a bit short on funds right now, so is there a problem with getting rich off wanted criminals?"

"...Reasonable, but please avoid saying things that could be misinterpreted like that next time."