In the end, Daziel still didn't accept Bronya's invitation.
Acting against his principles like that was a step too far. He couldn't just push boundaries for the sake of pushing them; some lines had to be maintained.
In contrast, Serval, having been released, was in quite a good mood. She watched the unfolding scene with keen interest, even humming a little tune.
Daziel turned and asked Serval if the shadow Cocolia had cast upon her heart had finally dissipated. After all, the Shadow of the Guardian had initially read Serval's memories, an experience that had nearly caused her emotional collapse.
"Now? Of course not," Serval laughed heartily, slinging an arm around Daziel's shoulder with a touch of familiar intimacy. The faint scent of her perfume made Daziel shiver involuntarily.
She continued, her voice laced with relief and a hint of mockery, "The wounds Cocolia inflicted on me before… they truly weighed on my heart like a heavy stone, impossible to shake off. But just now, seeing her begging for mercy beneath you, I feel like that stone suddenly became much, much lighter."
"Her treatment at your hands is even worse than mine was! It's truly delightful, hahaha! That 'dear sister' of mine deserved exactly this kind of punishment."
Listening to Serval's words, the corner of Daziel's mouth twitched. For a moment, he was speechless, unsure how to respond.
Serval, however, didn't seem to notice his discomfort. Her gaze turned serious as she spoke sincerely to Daziel, "Daziel, I really have to thank you this time."
"On this point, I feel the same as Bronya. If you need anything, anything at all, just ask me."
"Perhaps," she added, a playful, probing tone entering her voice as she leaned closer, "you're not interested in the Supreme Guardian type? Then… what do you think about an older sister type like me?"
Serval extended an ambiguous invitation, testing the waters.
Hearing her words, Daziel felt his vision darken, his scalp tingling.
Just then, Pela, who had overheard their conversation, hesitated for a moment before seeming to gather her courage and adding—
"Since both Serval and Lady Bronya have said so, then... um... me too."
Daziel: "......"
Pela's voice was quiet, but it landed like a clap of thunder, leaving Daziel completely stunned.
He keenly sensed the aura around March 7th, standing beside him, plummeting at a visible rate. The air thickened with a potent scent of jealousy, seemingly on the verge of exploding. To avert the impending "bloodbath," Daziel hastily bid everyone farewell and fled the scene, practically vanishing as if his soles were greased, escaping the volatile atmosphere thick with the tension of a romantic battleground.
Night had fallen deeply. To soothe little March, Daziel took her to the Goethe Hotel, spending the entire night making up for her yearning little heart.
Sunlight streamed through the window frame, announcing the arrival of morning.
Daziel continued on his path of collecting girls... ah, no, his path to becoming champion.
The next battleground was located at Cloudford.
March 7th pulled out her phone, opened an app, and tilted her head as she read, "According to the Aetherium Wars guide, the next destination is... 'Cloudford's Decisive Paradise'? Wow, it's actually on the Xianzhou?!"
She blinked, murmuring in confusion, "But speaking of which, it's hard to imagine the Xianzhou Alliance actually agreeing to the Corporation's request like this..."
Daziel shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just renting a venue, what's so strange about that? Seems perfectly normal."
After all, the Corporation's business spanned the universe; having dealings with the Xianzhou was hardly unusual.
March 7th nodded. "Hmm... you have a point. Anyway, the Corporation has already set up a direct Star Rail line from Belobog to the Xianzhou. We just need to go to the Pillar of Creation and take a Starskiff straight to Cloudford."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Daziel was already eager.
The two arrived at the Pillar of Creation.
The massive engine of creation loomed in the distance, emitting a faint metallic sheen, surrounded by intricate mechanical structures that proclaimed the progress of Belobog's reconstruction. A Starskiff rested quietly at the port, its streamlined hull gleaming in the sun.
Nowadays, even a relative backwater like Belobog utilized Starskiffs.
All of this was thanks to Daziel helping Belobog clear its debts.
Just as they were approaching the port, March 7th suddenly stopped, covering her mouth, her face slightly pale.
"...Ugh..."
She frowned, her voice weak. "I feel a bit sick... nauseous, like I'm going to throw up..."
Without waiting for Daziel's reply, she quickly turned and rushed towards a distant washroom.
"...?"
Daziel stood frozen, momentarily unable to process what had happened.
Strange? Is she pregnant? Haven't we always been careful? Even with strong luck, that shouldn't happen...
He scratched his head in confusion, unable to figure it out.
How long will March 7th be...?
Daziel looked around. The area was deserted; still under development, there was hardly anyone around.
He idly kicked a small pebble at his feet, waiting for March 7th to return.
Just then, the System's notification chimed in his mind:
[Master, how about trying to lick the railing by the roadside?]
"Huh?"
Daziel stared blankly. "Do you take me for an idiot? Lick that?"
One lick and his tongue would freeze right onto it!
He rolled his eyes, speechless at the System's bizarre request, and ignored the pop-up text.
Daziel took out his phone and began Browse aimlessly.
An unknown amount of time passed...
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the mechanical structures overhead, casting dappled shadows. The air carried the faint scent of machine oil and the cold tang of metal.
Daziel grew impatient. He craned his neck, looking towards the washroom.
A flicker of worry crossed his mind. He was debating whether to go check when the System's text popped up again—
[I never lie, Master. Think about it, wasn't there an achievement in the original Star Rail story related to licking a railing?]
[This suggestion is also to help you have an immersive experience of the Star Rail plot.]
[Master, really not going to consider licking it? Maybe there'll be an unexpected surprise!]
"A surprise? More like a fright, I bet," Daziel scoffed internally at the System's message.
But, then again...
Daziel did recall an achievement near the Engine of Creation in the original Star Rail story, triggered by licking a railing.
The System doesn't seem to have actually lied to me before, he mused. Though some of its suggestions are manipulative, the facts it states have generally been true.
Considering this, Daziel walked hesitantly over to the railing. After a moment's pause, he stuck out his tongue and gave it a light lick.
"..."
An icy sensation instantly spread through his mouth, accompanied by the distinct, slightly astringent taste of metal.
Seems like... nothing special.
Just as Daziel was about to retract his tongue, he realized...
#!
His tongue was firmly stuck to the railing, completely immobile!
It really won't come off...!
Daziel cursed inwardly. This System was utterly unreliable!
Although, with his current physique as a Pathstrider, forcefully tearing his tongue away probably wouldn't cause major injury.
But getting hurt was practically guaranteed. Daziel had no desire to taste a mouthful of his own blood.
He recalled the original plot. Wasn't this the point where he was supposed to take out his phone and call for help...? In the game's story, contacting Hook, Clara, Seele, or Lynx would trigger different events.
Daziel pulled out his phone, lit up the screen, and prepared to find someone in his contacts list who could rescue him.
Who should I call...?
As he pondered, the System's prompt sounded again:
[Don't worry, Master. Someone will be here soon. Just hang on a little longer; no need to use the phone.]
"Hm?"
Daziel paused. What does the System mean? Is there some hidden plot point?
A spark of curiosity ignited within him. Who exactly would be coming?
Daziel waited patiently for a little while longer.
Just then, a figure indeed appeared, walking down the path. The person was bundled up in thick clothing, obscuring their face.
Who could it be...?
Daziel wondered, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure.
As the person drew nearer, Daziel finally recognized her.
It was a girl wearing an adorable blue winter outfit with matching blue tights, topped with a white, fluffy cat-ear hat. She had neat blonde hair and a round, incredibly cute face.
Lynx?!
Daziel recognized her instantly – the Belobog explorer, the younger daughter of the Landau family.
He quickly waved his arms, trying to catch her attention. Simultaneously, he tried to open his mouth to call out, but with his tongue stuck, only a series of muffled "Mmph! Mmph!" sounds emerged.
"Oh, isn't it Mr. Daziel? What are you...?"
Lynx noticed Daziel's predicament. She hurried over, looking at him with confusion.
Daziel felt slightly embarrassed but didn't know how to explain. He could only wiggle his hand, point at the connection between the railing and his tongue, and then point at the water bottle hanging from Lynx's waist.
In the original game plot, Lynx used the hot water from her flask to pour on the protagonist's tongue, freeing it from the railing.
Lynx followed Daziel's pointing finger and noticed her water bottle. She paused, seemingly understanding something.
Lynx picked up the bottle and gave it a gentle shake.
There was water inside, but seemingly not very much.
She stared at the half-full bottle for a moment, lost in thought. Her brow furrowed slightly as if confronting some monumental problem.
"Mmph! Mmph! Mmph!"
Daziel was practically jumping up and down in urgency. He meant to say that since there was water in the thermos, she should just pour it already! But with his tongue stuck, he couldn't form a single coherent word.
"Are you sure you want this?" Lynx confirmed again.
"Mmph! Mmph!" Daziel nodded vehemently.
He couldn't understand what Lynx was hesitating about.
"Mmm... okay then. But this water might be a little... strange," Lynx mumbled, her cheeks starting to flush, uttering a phrase that made little sense.
Daziel looked puzzled. Isn't it just half a bottle of warm water? Just give it to me so I can get free! Little March is waiting!
Lynx's face turned almost crimson, red enough to bleed. She lowered her head, unable to meet Daziel's eyes.
"...It's... m-mine..." she stammered, her voice barely louder than a buzzing mosquito.
Daziel opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found he couldn't utter a sound. His throat felt constricted, incredibly uncomfortable.
Lynx carefully handed the water bottle to Daziel, whispering softly, "...Here..."
Daziel mechanically took the bottle, preparing to pour it onto his tongue.
It was only then that he realized the water was indeed, as Lynx had said, unusual.
His eyes glazed over as he stared at the faintly steaming liquid in the bottle. It wasn't quite clear, possessing a semi-translucent quality, and it even seemed somewhat... viscous...
Why does this look so familiar?
He felt like he'd seen this kind of liquid... associated with many girls. Especially March 7th!
[Reminder to Host: Your assumption is correct. It is indeed that stuff.]
#!
Are you kidding me?!
Seeing Lynx's blushing face as she peeked at him confirmed it. Daziel instantly understood.
No wonder she hesitated for so long! No wonder she was stuttering! So that's what this was about...
How could there be a whole bottle's worth?!
Daziel screamed internally, but he had no other choice.
Taking a deep breath, he suppressed his inner shock, brought the bottle to his mouth, and gently poured the liquid onto his stuck tongue.
"...Hss..."
A warm sensation instantly spread through his mouth, accompanied by an indescribable... taste.
Doesn't taste strange... more normal than I expected...
Daziel's taste buds experienced an unprecedented stimulation. He felt as if his tongue was enveloped by some miraculous force, slowly detaching from the railing.
Is... is it really working?!
Although the outcome was positive, the water...
Daziel was filled with shock and disbelief. He never would have imagined Lynx would help him in this way.
As his tongue gradually separated from the railing, Daziel's emotions grew increasingly complex. He felt relieved, yet embarrassed, along with a hint of... an unexplainable flavour...
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Daziel's tongue came completely free from the railing.
"..."
He let out a long sigh, feeling as though he'd been reborn.
Daziel turned his head to look at Lynx, who stood nearby, her cheeks still as red as ripe apples.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know where to begin.
"...Thank you," Daziel finally managed to squeeze out awkwardly.
Lynx kept her head down, shaking it slightly, her voice as soft as a whisper, "...You're welcome..."
The atmosphere turned awkward. Neither knew what to say.
"Um... I... I have other things to do, so I'll get going..." Lynx suddenly said, turning to leave.
"Wait!" Daziel quickly called out.
"...What is it?" Lynx stopped and turned back, looking at Daziel with some confusion.
Daziel looked at Lynx, hesitated, then asked, "Um... Lynx, have you by any chance been playing a game called... 'Aetherium Wars' recently?"
Hearing this, Lynx looked up in surprise. "Eh? How did you know?"
Just as I thought!
Daziel instantly knew the answer. It seemed Lynx's unusual behavior was also linked to this "Aetherium Wars."
"Then there's no mistake," Daziel sighed. "Right now, this 'Aetherium Wars' game... it has problems."
Lynx blinked, looking utterly lost. "Problems? What kind of problems?"
Daziel gathered his thoughts and began to explain, "This game... it seems to affect the player's mind, making them become... well... how should I put it... more... open?"
He tried to phrase it delicately; directly saying "it corrupts people" or something similar felt far too embarrassing.
Then, Daziel briefly recounted the situation, including the appearance of the Inner World Memes and his own special ability to dispel some of them by defeating an affected person. He mentioned Serval and Pela, telling Lynx they had also been influenced by "Aetherium Wars" and that he had already "purified" them.
Listening to Daziel's explanation, Lynx's face shifted through shades of green and white before finally settling on a deep, shy crimson.
"No wonder..." she muttered under her breath. "No wonder I did... that sort of thing... The old me would never have..."
She recalled her actions earlier that morning – using her own... that method... to "get a bottle of warm water" – and felt waves of shame and regret wash over her.
Lynx looked up at Daziel, her eyes holding a plea for help.
"Then... can you help purify me too? I... I don't want to continue like this..." She paused, then added, "So, please, have an Aetherium Wars duel with me, Daziel."
"I'd be glad to!" Daziel immediately agreed.
And so, the two began an "Aetherium Wars" duel right then and there.
...
After a completely one-sided duel, Lynx was defeated, slumping to the ground as if most of her strength had been drained. Although it's weird why a virtual battle game has this effect, maybe it's not that strange for card games or Pokémon-like battles to lead to this kind of plot development.
Now, it's time to help Lynx...
Daziel's gaze fell on Lynx's lower body, clad in thick blue tights. Hmm, using the previous method might be inconvenient with those... Let's try something different. Even someone with a foot fetish gets tired of the same thing.
With that thought, Daziel decided on a different approach.
Daziel's gaze fell on Lynx's lower body, clad in thick blue tights. Hmm, using the previous method might be inconvenient with those... Let's try something different. Even someone with a foot fetish gets tired of the same thing.
With that thought, Daziel decided on a different approach.
Lynx was still kneeling, breathing heavily, when she saw Daziel unzip his pants. A second later, she felt something hot and pulsating slap against her face with a light tap, making her shudder.
"Kya!" She let out a cute little cry, her wide eyes discovering the imposing member that now rested against her features. Her cheeks burned a deep crimson - it was much larger than the crude drawings in Pela's books had suggested. The hot weight against her skin, the prominent veins pulsing with each beat of Daziel's heart... Lynx felt a jolt of excitement run down her spine.
"Can you handle this, or do you want to try something gentler, cutie?" Daziel asked, his voice hoarse.
"I... I can handle it," she murmured, swallowing hard. The masculine scent, salty and intoxicating, flooded her senses. Hesitantly, her pink tongue darted out between her lips, timidly licking the base of his cock like a kitten tasting milk for the first time.
Daziel let out a grunt as Lynx's inexperienced but enthusiastic tongue explored its length, even circling the swollen head with innocent curiosity. "Is... is this good?" Lynx asked, her bright eyes full of expectation.
"Yes, keep going," he growled, his hands clenching in the air as if fighting the urge to grab her. "now try to put it in your mouth."
"Hum~" The moan escaped as she enveloped the head with her lips, savoring the taste of pre-cum dripping onto her tongue. Daziel arched his back - the hot, wet sensation was almost heavenly.
Slurp~ The obscene sounds filled the room. When Lynx tried to go deeper, gagging slightly, Daziel couldn't resist: his hands buried themselves in her blonde curls and pushed.
"MMMPH!" Her eyes instantly watered, her little nose wrinkling against Daziel's pubic hair. He held her there, feeling her throat contract around him like a warm velvet glove.
For an eternal moment, Lynx remained motionless - mouth stretched to its limit, small hands gripping his thighs as her body trembled. When Daziel finally pulled her back, a silvery thread of saliva connected her swollen lips to his glistening tip.
"Don't stop now, cutie," he ordered, his voice rough. Before she could answer, another brutal thrust took her back, her chin slapping against his balls with a wet smack.
Tears streamed down Lynx's face, but her pussy throbbed uncontrollably, sweat and her own fluids running down her thighs. Every panting breath through her nose only intensified the heat in her belly.
Daziel lost control - with an animalistic growl, he buried himself to the hilt, Lynx's nose pressed against his skin as thick spurts of seed jetted down her throat. She swallowed convulsively, dripping between her legs without even needing a touch.
When he finally released her, Lynx collapsed, coughing, her face gleaming with fluids and tears... but with a trembling smile of satisfaction.
...
"Ahem!"
Lynx wiped the corner of her mouth with her sleeve, then swallowed what remained.
Daziel zipped up his pants. "Alright, that should do it. At least for a short while, you shouldn't have any overly outrageous behaviors."
Lynx kept her head lowered, her voice sounding somewhat thick as she said, "Thank you, Daziel."
Daziel waved his hand. "Don't mention it. You helped me too."
Lynx stood up. "Well... I'll be going then, Daziel. I have other things to do."
"Hey, wait, um... your water bottle..." He pointed at the bottle he was still holding, the one that had contained the "warm water."
Lynx's face instantly flushed red again. She quickly waved her hands. "N-No need! That bottle... you can keep it..."
Having said that, she turned and ran off without looking back, leaving Daziel standing alone, holding the bottle that contained the "special ingredient," feeling utterly bewildered in the wind.
"What... what just happened..."
Daziel watched Lynx's retreating figure and couldn't help but give a wry smile.
He looked down at the bottle in his hand, a mix of complicated feelings swirling within him.
This thing... should I throw it away, or keep it...?
Daziel fell into deep contemplation.
Just then, the System's notification sounded in his mind once more:
[Congratulations, Master! You have successfully triggered a hidden plotline and obtained the commemorative item: Lynx's Special Water Bottle (Residue Remaining)!]
Daziel was thoroughly speechless.
This System really was...
"Beyond help!"
He rolled his eyes and stored the water bottle in his inventory.
"Forget it, let's not worry about this stuff for now. Better hurry and find March 7th..."
Daziel shook his head, pushing these messy thoughts aside, and started walking towards the washroom.
_____
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