Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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[Firefly: Silver Wolf unexpectedly won???]

[The live stream was filled with many lurkers.]

[Although they all participated in voting, apart from Bronya and Su Qing himself, not a single person bet on Silver Wolf.]

[As a result, the abundance of question marks reflected their surprise. Even some typically calm viewers, who usually stayed hidden, were now drawn out.]

[Jingliu: ?]

[Acheron: ?]

[Ruan Mei: ?]

[Jade: ?]

[Robin: ???]

[Tingyun: ???]...

[Stelle: No way! I can't accept this!!]

[Stelle: @Black Swan, it's rigged! This is foul play! Refund my money!!]

[Black Swan: Actually, I bet on Kafka too...]

[Stelle: It's hopeless then! Even the organizer lost big time!]

[Robin: ? Silver Wolf won? Am I still dreaming?]

[Herta: The sun must have risen from the west.]

[Acheron: Victory and defeat are both illusions.]

[Jingliu: Too surreal; makes me suspect it's just the Demonic Shade Avatar's deception.]

[Sparkle: Joyous.]

[March 7th: Ahh! Everyone brace yourselves—Silver Wolf defied expectations twice in a row, even winning once! The world might end tomorrow!!]

[Qingque: Noooo!! I went all-in on Kafka! I thought for sure that wicked woman would win!?]

[Fu Xuan: This venerable one would have warned you that nine out of ten gambles end in loss. But I bet on Himeko, and she was eliminated first...]

[Silver Wolf: Humph!]

[Silver Wolf: Once, you all ignored me; now, my success is beyond your reach. ?]

[Seele: Ha-ha-ha-ha! Silver Wolf's getting quite cocky now!]

[Black Swan: Seele seems remarkably calm.]

[Seele: Well, I bet on Firefly, never expecting to win from the start.]

[Seele: Still, Silver Wolf actually winning feels surreal.]

[Seele: @Bronya, aren't you happy?]

[Bronya: (still stunned) (gradually coming back to reality)]

[Bronya: ...We won? Is this real?]

[Seele: Want me to pinch you?]

[Bronya: ...Yes.]

[Seele: (pinches hard)]

[Bronya: Ow! That didn't need to be so forceful!]

[Stelle: Joy, Seele is always so straightforward.]

[Bronya: But! We really won!!]

[Bronya: @Silver Wolf, we did it! We're the champions!!]

[Bronya: (hugging little Silver Wolf) (jumping excitedly!)]

[Silver Wolf: Hmph. (composed) (acting cool)]

[Internally, Silver Wolf was ecstatic, but at this moment, not playing it cool would feel like only winning half the bet.]

[Silver Wolf also felt that Bronya's joy shouldn't be left unfounded; there needed to be some tangible outcome.]

[Regardless of her initial reasons, she had been the only one to place their faith in him.]

[And so...]

[Silver Wolf: Ahem, even though we didn't officially bet anything, don't you think you should acknowledge your loss somehow? @Herta, @Topaz, @Fu Xuan]

[Silver Wolf: I won't need any compensation—just pay up to Bronya.]

[Herta: Well then.]

[Herta: Let's establish a research center in Belobog, as per our previous discussion about collaboration, @Ruan Mei.]

[Ruan Mei: Agreed.]

[Topaz: Hmm... Then, under my personal name, I'll invest in Belobog.]

[Jade: If Topaz is investing, count me in too.]

[Fu Xuan: ...Luofu has several ongoing exchange programs, and Belobog meets the criteria.]

[Fu Xuan: This venerable one will not bend rules for favoritism, but offering a recommendation is certainly possible.]

[Seele: Woohoo! Take off!]

[Natasha: Excellent, excellent.]

[March 7th: Bronya truly hit the jackpot this time!]

[Stelle: Belobog's sudden wealth overnight, all because Bronya bet on Silver Wolf?!]

[Bronya: (feeling ecstatic, almost fainting from happiness)]

[Cocolia: ...@Bronya, well done.]

[Bronya: (actually about to pass out now)!]

[Silver Wolf: I told you, betting on me was the right choice. ?]

[Qingque: The winners certainly seem thrilled, creating quite a celebratory atmosphere. But as for those who didn't win...]

[Sparkle: Amused, Kafka and Himeko haven't said a word since it happened. ?]

[Sparkle: @Kafka, @Himeko, why so quiet? Are you naturally introverted or disinterested in such excitement?]

[Kafka and Himeko didn't even respond with ellipses.]

In truth, observing Kafka and Himeko within the simulation revealed their state of mind.

Su Qing pulling Silver Wolf away, especially his remark "Silver Wolf is just better; let's ignore them," had an immediate effect. Both women were intelligent and quickly understood that Su Qing intended to prevent further conflict between them.

However...

With expressions akin to characters in a horror movie, they watched Silver Wolf's figure disappear.

After a moment...

"...He took Silver Wolf and left," Kafka observed.

A moment passed.

"Hm," Himeko acknowledged.

"Should we continue fighting?"

"...There's no need now."

Both of them suddenly felt disheartened, their enthusiasm waning.

They had fought and vented their anger, only to discover that their base had been infiltrated—worse yet, it was stolen right under their noses!

[Qingque: Ha ha ha, this is hilarious.]

Kafka and Himeko diverted their gaze from the direction Su Qing and Silver Wolf had disappeared, exchanging glances filled with mixed emotions.

What should be their reaction?

Blaming each other at this point? No, that would be too embarrassing.

Reconciling? Even more unlikely.

Kafka and Himeko remained silent for a long while, until finally, their guards arrived on the scene.

"...Let's go." Kafka turned and departed without further ado.

Himeko also said nothing, quietly following suit.

[Silver Wolf: Send some photos or snapshots.]

[Kafka & Silver Wolf & Himeko: ???]

[Seele: Ha-ha-ha-ha!!]

[Guinaifen: Absolutely hilarious!]

[Qingque: Looks like Silver Wolf's turned things around.]

[Stelle: No way, Kafka!?]

[March 7th: Sister Himeko—?!]

[Sparkle: Amused.]

Naturally, both Kafka and Himeko sought out Silver Wolf afterward.

But the outcome...

It left them so furious they could only laugh.

As soon as Silver Wolf spotted them, without uttering a word, she turned and bolted!

And she ran incredibly fast. With her mastery of Ether Editing and holographic projections, there was no catching her!

[Seele: Impressive!]

[Qingque: Absolutely mind-blowing!]

Kafka and Himeko, being formidable opponents themselves, would never resort to fleeing, regardless of how dire the situation. It was about maintaining dignity and pride, refusing to yield even if victory seemed impossible.

Yet Silver Wolf clearly didn't care for such conventions:

"I admit I can't beat you, but is running away not allowed?"

[Sparkle: Indeed, seize your chance and make a swift exit!]

[Stelle: So that's why, @Firefly, you've developed the habit of restraining Silver Wolf first?]

[Firefly: Eh... seems like it might be true. Even with memories sealed, they knew to restrain her first.]

[Bronya: Silver Wolf is so clever—retreating when outnumbered, a wise decision!]

[Seele: Ha ha ha ha, you're really going all out with the praise now, aren't you?]

With the acquisition of the Stellaron, Su Qing completed this mission.

Kafka, Himeko, and Silver Wolf, characters from different simulations, appeared together for once.

After interacting with them,

Su Qing confirmed through this multiplayer simulation that the previous instances were indeed real occurrences.

However, only Firefly's scenario bore the disclaimer "This simulation is purely fictional," and she was notably absent from the multiplayer experience.

Based on these observations, Su Qing couldn't help but ponder...

Does Firefly truly exist?

[Silver Wolf: No, Firefly doesn't actually exist; she's just a teammate I made up to deceive you.]

[Silver Wolf: The account 'Firefly' has always been controlled by me, sending those comments.]

[Sushang: (shocked deeply) Ah?!]

[Seele: (utterly astonished) Is this for real?!]

[Firefly: Don't believe them!]

[Firefly: Of course, I am real. ???]

[Firefly: ? Using 'inborn evil' for comedic effect!]

[Firefly: Only I haven't appeared yet, and only my bio says "purely fictional." It's definitely targeting me!]

[Sparkle: Ah, so you've learned to use 'inborn evil' too, huh?]

The moment of parting always arrives eventually.

For Kafka, it was the most challenging.

She questioned him about his real-life identity, researched his background, repeatedly asking and confirming.

After going through this process a hundred times, expressing her reluctance another hundred, and finally understanding they would surely meet again, she reluctantly accepted their brief separation.

Su Qing understood Kafka's unease and patiently comforted her.

Even though Kafka had used the Word Spirit Technique earlier to make him kiss her, Su Qing genuinely wasn't angry, just as he said.

How should one put it?

Whenever Su Qing saw Kafka with teary eyes, all his anger seemed to dissipate instantly...

[Qingque: Looks like Kafka's daughter route is incredibly solid.]

[March 7th: Yes, even Sister Himeko, being his girlfriend, can't shake it.]

[March 7th: However, at present, it seems almost too stable. Changing tracks will truly be a significant challenge for her.]

[Sparkle: Well, there's your answer.]

[Sparkle: Just reverse the roles, make him feel guilty with tears, and Su Qing will surely soften again.]

[March 7th: Exactly, because I can't do that!]

[March 7th: This affection is mutual; Su Qing adores Kafka, but in turn, she fears disappointing him.]

[March 7th: If I could pull it off, I wouldn't have lost this time!]

[Sparkle: Ah, seems like Stelle's filial devotion runs deep through generations.]

[Stelle: Uh... should I be proudly placing my hands on my hips now?]

Su Qing learned that after their stop at Atuin Pulsar, the Astral Express would head towards the Herta space station.

Conveniently, this provided another opportunity to verify if the multi-player simulation and reality were indeed the same world.

Knowing they would soon meet again, parting from Himeko felt less bittersweet.

Himeko hugged him tightly, lingering for a moment as if reluctant to let go. "Well then... see you at the space station."

Back on the train, Himeko recounted her experiences at Atuin Pulsar to curious little March, omitting most details about her interactions with Su Qing.

Firstly, it wasn't exactly a successful encounter...

Secondly, mentioning their romance would undoubtedly lead to more questions from little March.

As they wrapped up, Himeko paused and asked thoughtfully, "Everyone, if a new Trailblazer were to board our train, would you welcome them?"

[Stelle: ? Wait, is it me?]

[Qingque: Clearly, she's referring to Su Qing.]

[Bronya: +1]

[March 7th: I think Sister Himeko is considering how to coax Su Qing onto the train...]

[Stelle: Ah?!]

[Stelle: (Upon reflection, that seems likely.)]

[Sparkle: ??? Someone's getting ahead of themselves, not naming names though.]

[Stelle: (Blushing) Curse you!!!]

[Seele: Ha ha ha, Stelle's blushing—rare sight!]

[Qingque: Amused.]

[Firefly: Amused.]

[March 7th: Amused.]

And as for bidding farewell to Silver Wolf...

Why does she run away every time she sees me?!

As soon as Su Qing greeted her, Silver Wolf turned beet red and dashed off immediately.

[Seele: Why do you run away when you see Su Qing?!]

[Bronya: Probably too shy.]

[Firefly: Pure-hearted little Silver Wolf!]

[Qingque: Too innocent! Just one kiss on the lips, and she'll probably replay it in her mind hundreds of times tonight.]

[Silver Wolf: Nonsense, I won't think about it that often.?]

Eventually, with some hesitance, Silver Wolf managed to bid him farewell.

She only asked for his address.

As a skilled hacker, knowing just one or two details would likely allow her to uncover all the necessary information.

And as for Su Qing later receiving a large box of chips from an anonymous sender, well, that's another story.

[Silver Wolf: Don't get the wrong idea; I simply love potato chips.]

[Herta: Who asked you?]

Onboard a ship departing Atuin Pulsar,

Kafka smiled at her teammate, "Silver Wolf, this time, do you have anywhere left to run?"

Silver Wolf glanced around nervously.

In this cramped spaceship, there truly was nowhere to escape...

Feigning composure, Silver Wolf cleared her throat, "Ahem, speaking of the mission, we accomplished it quite well. We even secured the Stellaron."

Kafka's smile widened, taking on a more menacing tone, "Don't change the subject. Tell me, what exactly happened after you left with Su Qing?"

Silver Wolf firmly insisted that nothing happened.

She simply found Kafka and Himeko's appearance too intimidating.

Kafka remained unconvinced.

Silver Wolf shrugged again and said, "If even you two couldn't handle it, do I really seem capable or courageous enough to do anything to Su Qing?"

Hearing this, Kafka started to believe her slightly.

[Seele: She actually fooled them both!!]

[Silver Wolf: What's that saying again?]

[Silver Wolf: Deceive yourself, deceive Kafka, deceive God.?]

[March 7th: When Su Qing grabbed Silver Wolf's hand and ran off, I thought she just got lucky.]

[March 7th: But seeing how Silver Wolf used the potato chip kiss trick and managed to deceive Kafka...]

[March 7th: Now I'm starting to think little Silver Wolf might...actually have some skills?]

[Bronya: Right?! Exactly!]

[Stelle: @March 7th, wake up!!! You've been deceived too!]

[Stelle: There's still a significant gap in strength between Silver Wolf and Kafka-Himeko. Winning was largely due to sheer luck!]

[March 7th: R-right, is that true?]

Having successfully deceived Kafka with great effort, Silver Wolf finally breathed a sigh of relief.

How terrifying!

It felt like Kafka's feelings for Su Qing were incredibly intense!

Back on the ship, in her own room, Silver Wolf took out her phone and revisited her messages with Su Qing.

She still had one small question lingering.

If all messages were marked as read, did Su Qing actually see her confession?

Pressing two shortcut keys, she scrolled back to the earliest messages.

Silver Wolf gently swiped down with his hand and quickly found his own confession:

"That day, when I said wanting to beat you just once was why I asked you out, it was a lie."

"I truly, genuinely like you."

"From our very first meeting, your charming appearance captivated me."

"I thought, 'Not bad at all. Just like me, possessing both skills and looks.'"

"Could fate have destined us to be teammates? Ah, how ironic..."

Here, several hundred words of the young, awkward, and slightly cringe-worthy little Silver Wolf's confession were omitted.

[Silver Wolf: ? Aaaaaah!]

[Silver Wolf: @Black Swan, stop it, don't share anymore!! I was just being naive and joking around as a kid!!!]

[Sparkle: Enjoying this.]

[Firefly: ? Absolutely hilarious!]

Seeing the content of his past confession, Silver Wolf curled up tightly on the bed, toes clenching involuntarily.

Silver Wolf curled up tightly on the bed, her crystalline toes clenching.

The foolishly sentimental content of that confession...

So embarrassing, so shameful, so mortifying!

Quick, forget it, just forget it!

Did Su Qing see any of this?

He probably didn't, right?

If he had seen it, perhaps during their kiss, he wouldn't have been so surprised...

Silver Wolf gently placed her right hand's fingers on her lips.

Recalling that moment, filled with both shyness and sweetness.

Ahhhhh!

With a sudden movement, Silver Wolf threw the blanket over herself, hiding beneath it.

The memory of her first kiss stirred even more emotions than the embarrassing confession.

At this point, the naive and inexperienced Silver Wolf truly began to grasp the taste of love.

In the final scene,

within a darkened room, Silver Wolf peeked out from under the covers, gazing at the illuminated smartphone screen.

Her current feelings were a mix of embarrassment intertwined with sweetness, and within that sweetness lay a fluttering heart.

She started typing something on her phone.

One can only hope

that she won't, while feeling this way, send another message to Su Qing which might later embarrass her deeply.

[Simulation Ended]

[As the screen fades to black, the multiplayer simulation concludes.]

[Bronya: Complete victory!]

[Bronya: Even at the end of the simulation, it's still Silver Wolf's scene—this really solidifies the feeling of winning!]

[Silver Wolf: Let's not get too boastful.?]

[March 7th: Too bad; if Sister Himeko had won, she'd undoubtedly be all lovey-dovey with Su Qing right now... so sweet...]

[March 7th: But what if Kafka had emerged victorious? What would have happened?]

[Sparkle: Well, I bet she would've taken charge and gotten straight down to business.?]

[March 7th (blushing): Don't say things like that!!!]

[Herta: Considering her personality, there's a high chance you're right.]

Whether due to embarrassment or fear of setting a bad example, March 7th hastily changed the topic.

[March 7th: @Black Swan, what's next? Victory speeches?]

[Black Swan: Hmm...(pondering) Perhaps we should start with a victory summary?]

[Silver Wolf: Victory summary? Simple, sticking with my earlier words:]

[Silver Wolf: "All that is lost shall be reclaimed! All who scorned shall face repayment! This time, I will triumph!"]

[Silver Wolf: And now, those words have come true.]

[Silver Wolf: To those who went all-in on me, those who believed, I won't disappoint you.]

[Sparkle: Hey, seems like you added an extra "s" there. Only one person bet on you.]

[Silver Wolf: ...Don't mind the details!]

[Bronya: Awesome! Silver Wolf, that's so cool!]

[Stelle: Ha ha ha ha, Bronya is really going all out with her support now.]

[March 7th: She must be incredibly happy! Initially just betting out of sympathy, and now she's soaring!]

[Natasha: Perhaps because they look alike, she feels more personally invested.]

[March 7th: Oh? That makes sense!]

[Bronya (panicked): N-no-nonsense! D-d-don't make things up!]

[Qingque: Ha ha, she's too easy to read.]

***

As the multi-person simulation concluded, Su Qing returned to the space station.

[Stelle: Next, I have some good news.]

[Stelle: The Astral Express is arriving at the space station, which means March 7th and I will finally make our entrance! Yay!]

[Sparkle: And another piece of good news, since Su Qing left the space station, Asta is bound to undergo her dark transformation.]

[March 7th: How is that considered good news?!]

[Silver Wolf: By the way, Kafka and Himeko haven't spoken since I declared victory. Are they naturally shy or hesitant to join the conversation?]

[Silver Wolf: Is it their natural shyness and bashfulness making them too embarrassed to speak?]

[Sparkle: Oh right, almost forgot about this.]

[Sparkle: ???, @Kafka, @Himeko, hurry up, say something!]