Takumi didn't involve himself too deeply in this world's development. He merely set goals.
At the current stage, the most important objective was resolving the population issue—and digesting all the technology and knowledge Takumi had brought back.
In terms of population, the number of people working in science and technology was still quite small.
While Velier had plenty of people, most of them relied on magic. So, Takumi now needed to nurture scientific talent.
More precisely, he needed to go poach some from other worlds.
The Star Rail universe probably had plenty of mid- to low-level researchers.
Of course, if he could get top-tier talent, that would be even better.
Takumi could easily use his own power to disseminate all technological knowledge instantly.
But then what would everyone else do?
If he handled everything himself, wouldn't he be single-handedly dragging an entire civilization forward?
That wasn't what Takumi wanted.
He wanted people to move forward with him—not to rely solely on him.
If that were the case, he might as well just build an army of robots and let them rapidly develop everything.
Use resources, spawn units, done. Simple.
Everyone stayed around Takumi for a while longer, then eventually left.
After seeing them off, Takumi turned to Ophis.
"Ophis, where do you want to live? With me? Or would you prefer your own villa?"
Ophis blinked at the question, then replied,
"I want to live in the dimensional gap."
Live with Takumi? Hmm... she felt she might be more at ease living in the dimensional rift of this world.
Takumi raised an eyebrow.
"This world's dimensional gap? I haven't explored that place yet."
He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
What kind of dimensional rift did this world have?
If Ophis really wanted to stay there, it'd be best if Takumi checked it out first.
"Alright," he said, "Tomorrow I'll go take a look with you. Just stay here tonight."
Ophis considered this and nodded.
"Okay."
She wasn't sure what the dimensional rift here was like, but if Takumi accompanied her tomorrow, that would be best.
With that decided, Takumi prepared a room for her and sent her off to bathe and rest.
Ophis could handle her physical needs just fine.
She was obedient and did whatever Takumi told her.
She trusted him completely. After all, Takumi had fulfilled every promise he made.
He said he would beat up Great Red—and he did.
No hesitation.
So, when Takumi told her to rest, Ophis quietly went to sleep.
However, that night, she heard some strange noises.
It sounded like Lilia was... crying?
Ophis found it odd—and slightly awkward.
She didn't quite understand what that reaction meant, which made her frown.
Still, she decided not to interfere. Perhaps Takumi and Lilia were engaged in something important.
With that, she muted all her senses and went back to sleep.
The next morning, Takumi was refreshed.
Lilia, too, looked more spirited than ever.
Ophis noticed that Lilia seemed even livelier than the day before.
How strange.
Takumi casually made some breakfast, then said to Ophis,
"Let's go. We're checking out the dimensional rift."
With that, he opened a portal to the space beyond this world.
Ophis immediately followed.
Lilia stayed behind.
For her, a place like that was still too dangerous. Better to stay home and handle arrangements.
She would also coordinate sending instructors to Takumi's side.
Takumi and Ophis quickly arrived outside the world.
"This place really is different from your world's dimensional gap," Takumi noted.
The spatial storms here were wild and chaotic.
Without spatial authority, anyone stepping into this place would likely be torn apart instantly.
But Ophis's eyes lit up.
Here, she felt an unparalleled sense of peace.
Even more so than the dimensional gap of the DxD world.
"This place... feels wonderful."
Ophis was enchanted.
At a glance, she fell in love with her new home.
Takumi raised an eyebrow.
"You sure this is okay?"
To Takumi, the environment was harsh.
But to Ophis, it was apparently just right?
"No problem. I love it here."
With that, Ophis returned to her original form—a giant black dragon.
Her body rapidly expanded, soon growing to hundreds of meters in length.
An enormous being.
As she transformed, Takumi noticed something surprising.
The spatial storms around them began to stabilize.
Not only that, but Takumi could feel Ophis forming a connection with this dimensional gap.
It was accepting her.
And more than that—Takumi himself began to change.
He and Ophis were forming a special bond.
It was as if she were becoming his familiar!
Just like how 227 Sirin bonded with Bebelung!
Takumi's eyes lit up.
Was this it? Was he finally getting his own companion Honkai beast?
If their connection solidified, Takumi would be able to summon Ophis even from across worlds.
Ophis felt the same changes.
But she didn't resist.
Becoming Takumi's familiar?
That was fine by her.
She allowed the bond to take shape.
Moreover, she realized this bond came with great benefits.
Her internal power conversion accelerated. At this rate, her energy would soon fully convert into Honkai energy.
Now in her dragon form, Ophis floated freely in the dimensional gap.
Takumi watched her and let out a silent sigh.
Yup. She just wanted a comfy place to loaf around.
"If you like it here, then stay. Once our contract is complete, I'll call on you when needed."
Ophis nodded her massive dragon head.
"Okay! From now on, I shall protect this world for you!"
She meant it.
Takumi had given her peace—and she would protect his world in return.