"Why are you still running around? I've seen you go back and forth in this museum at least a dozen times already..."
"Is this event really that complicated?"
March 7th fiddled with her hair, watching Stelle busily running around completing tasks with a satisfied expression, utterly baffled.
Was this person some kind of genius when it came to tedious chores?
How could such mundane fetch quests bring her so much joy?
The Stelle smirked mysteriously.
"Sure, every artifact in the museum has to be retrieved by me personally, but honestly!"
"This process isn't boring or tedious at all—I'd even give it a perfect 100/10!"
"Why?!" March 7th asked incredulously.
She couldn't understand what made this museum management event so appealing.
"Because the rewards are insane!"
"Before this event, I was completely broke from building Silver Wolf. My credit balance was practically zero."
"But now? I'm about to hit a million credits!"
March 7th's eyes widened.
"They're giving out that much?!"
The Stelle nodded excitedly.
"Yep! And it's not just credits!"
"There are all kinds of EXP materials, Stellar Jades, and even rare custom items—like Self-Modeling Resin!"
"Yu Ling is way too generous. It's like they're afraid we won't have enough resources!"
As Stelle proudly showed off her rewards, March 7th's eyes sparkled with envy.
After the showcase, the Stelle re-entered the museum map and began explaining to March 7th:
"At first, this museum was practically empty—just a few random exhibits here and there."
"But look at it now!"
"I've collected so many artifacts, and the visitors have gone from zero to a bustling crowd!"
"This sense of achievement and fulfillment—you get it, right?"
March 7th nodded thoughtfully.
Now she understood why Stelle looked so pleased.
This "start from scratch" museum event really had something special!
March 7th felt the urge to try it herself.
She decided to finish Bailu's companion quest first, then jump right in!
After showing off, Stelle continued managing the museum for the next week.
Looking at the oil paintings and photographs on display, she couldn't help but sigh.
"These are all places I've personally experienced..."
In fact, these vivid scenes gave her an illusion—
This wasn't just Belobog's History and Culture Museum.
It felt more like a museum of her own trailblazing journey on Jarilo-VI!
Stelle's heart felt at ease.
—These are the stories I've witnessed... and the history of this winter city!
---
Everwinter Palace
Bronya had already completed dozens of weeks of management.
The exhibition halls were now filled with dazzling artifacts.
She turned to Topaz and Aventurine, who were observing the scene, and said: "Gentlemen, this is what I wanted to show you."
"—The history and culture of Belobog."
"These are the things we, the people of Belobog, have developed and designed over centuries of enduring the blizzards."
"I believe in these people, these struggles, and this spirit of Preservation..."
"—Are exactly why Yu Ling, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail, took an interest in Belobog and crafted its story into an epic!"
"If the people of Belobog ever abandon using their own hands to [Preserve] this homeland..."
"...Then in the future, it will become just another ordinary planet in the universe."
"And perhaps Yu Ling would no longer turn their gaze to this frozen world..."
After speaking, Bronya looked at Topaz with sincere, clear eyes.
Topaz took a deep breath.
"I understand what you mean, Miss Bronya."
"This planet... should be developed and created by its own people."
"Continue. Finish this event, and I'll give you my decision."
A flicker of excitement flashed in Bronya's eyes.
At this point, it was practically certain—
Topaz had been moved.
She was willing to help Belobog negotiate the terms of its debt.
Seele couldn't help but smile as well.
Honestly?
She absolutely adored Yu Ling, the game's developer! \
Not only had they included Belobog in the story—they'd done it so well!
And now, this event showcased Belobog's unique historical legacy...
Seele didn't even know what to say!
She'd have to build a monument for Yu Ling when she got back!
But then...
It was her turn to appear!
[Random Event]
[Potential Assistant Found: Seele...]
Bronya, now much more relaxed, teased:
"Looks like Yu Ling still values you as much as ever. You even have a role in this event."
Seele crossed her arms and scoffed.
"Seems like Yu Ling doesn't know me well enough. Someone like me could never be a museum volunteer."
[Head to the Great Mine]
[Find Seele.]
Unsurprisingly, Seele refused.
"Use your head—what part of the 『Everwinter City Museum Ledger of Curiosities』 has anything to do with me?"
"It's not that I don't want to help, but I'm just not cut out for this kind of work. Sorry for wasting your trip."
[You don't have to put it like that...]
"It's the truth. I know myself—when I was a kid, Natasha had to force me to study. It was torture."
"You really expect someone like me to explain exhibits to people? Yeah, no. That'd be a terrible experience."
Seele shook her head firmly.
Watching her in-game self say these things, the real Seele muttered:
"Even if I starve to death, even if I have to fight monsters in the Fragmentum..."
"I'd never work at a museum!"
Aventurine and Topaz chuckled softly.
They were well aware of Seele's personality.
Now that they were all sitting together, free from business tensions, they could relax and enjoy the story's playful moments.
Aventurine remarked: "Miss Seele's combat abilities are impressive."
"As the first limited 5-star character, and now with Silver Wolf as a teammate, her future looks bright."
Seele shrugged.
"Don't tease me, Mr. Aventurine. I've seen player comments online—stuff like 'Seele's fallen out of the meta' or 'her skill effects look like welding.'"
"Is it really that bad?"
Aventurine responded with a polite, noncommittal smile.
Just as everyone thought the recruitment had failed...
Another option appeared on-screen:
[But Bronya will be sad...]
Seele: "..."
Seele: "..."
[For her, won't you reconsider?]
"Tch... Fine, fine. Hand me that application form."
"...No, wait, you hold it. I'll talk, you write."
[You're so easy to read.]
"Hey! Don't push your luck—!"
"...Ugh, whatever! I just can't stand seeing her cry—happy now?"
"Let's get this over with. Make sure you write down everything I say!"
Seeing this exchange, all four people in the room froze.
Seele felt like she'd been struck by lightning.
Her face turned bright red, all the way to her neck.
Bronya, who'd initially brushed it off as normal dialogue, suddenly realized—
Her eyes darted around nervously.
She hurriedly clicked through the next lines.
[First Question: Your name?]
"Seele. No last name."
She never expected...
To recruit Seele, the game had used her as leverage!
And that line—"I can't stand seeing her cry"?
How could Yu Ling just write something like that?!
The main story had always been serious—why was the event plot suddenly so... bold?
Worst of all...
They weren't alone.
If it were just her and Seele, they could brush it off.
But with outsiders present...
Bronya felt the embarrassment of having her private matters exposed.
She could only hope Topaz and Aventurine would be tactful and pretend not to notice.
Otherwise...
This was mortifying!
As if sensing her thoughts, Aventurine adjusted his watch and said meaningfully: "The two of you... have quite the enviable relationship, don't you?"
Topaz coughed awkwardly.
Suddenly, her pet pig, Numby, materialized out of thin air—
—and immediately charged at Aventurine!
Before he could react, Numby dragged him straight out the door.
Now only the two girls remained.
Topaz smoothed her short hair and smiled.
"My apologies for that."
"Some people just don't understand the bonds between girls. Ahem... Shall we continue?"
To be continued…
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