What if your Honkai Star Rail was like this?

Chapter 42: Chapter 42: These Are Our Companions!

”...Hey? Cocolia, what exactly is going on? Can you explain clearly?” Serval was getting anxious. ”All of you are playing riddles here. Do you know how I’ve been these past two days?”

”...For your safety, Serval, please do as I say, I’m begging you,” Cocolia sighed.

She didn’t want to keep things vague, but she knew all too well that if Serval learned the full truth, she’d unhesitatingly risk her life without a second thought.

...

Meanwhile, inside the interrogation room, Gepard wore a helpless expression. ”Mr. Welt, I appreciate your kindness, but... the arrow is already on the string, and I have no choice but to let it fly.”

Originally, he had come here to convince Welt and his group to return to wherever they came from, but their resolve was unshakable. They insisted on sealing the Stellaron, even creating something like a black hole that enveloped the entire room in a gravitational field.

Gepard’s plan was simple: use the Stellaron’s power to transform Belobog’s ecosystem, allowing this generation of Belobog’s people to live better lives as soon as possible.

Although prior research indicated that the Stellaron was still in an uncontrollable state, it was at least a glimmer of hope for saving Belobog. Yet now, Welt and his group wanted to seal it, so he could no longer wait.

This led to the series of events that followed.

”Mr. Welt, why go to such lengths?”

Seeing Welt remain silent, Gepard sighed. ”The Stellaron has promised it will change this world.”

Welt was unmoved. ”Great Guardian, you’ve simply been blinded by this thing. Its power is highly likely to push this world toward an uncontrollable outcome. Even as the supreme leader here, you don’t have the right to represent the will of the people.”

”Let me tell you a story. In my homeland, we once faced a world-ending catastrophe. The situation there was far more perilous than here, as we didn’t even have the means to cling to survival. Total destruction was only a matter of time.”

”But.”

Welt extended his hand. ”There was a man who carried the hopes of a generation, attempting to become a giant to hold up the heavens alone. He was indeed great, but unfortunately, his will didn’t align with that of our generation. So, in the end, he failed..... By my hand.”

”Though my body is no longer as strong as it was in my prime, I’m confident I can hold you off until the voice of the people reaches us.”

...

As soon as they stepped into Qlipoth Fort, Stelle and the others could see the staff being urgently evacuated. Serval stood in the most prominent position, maintaining order. Even when she noticed their arrival, she only spared them a brief glance, too busy to engage.

”...Phew, now I can relax.”

Cocolia let out a slow breath. ”She’s busy right now. Let’s not disturb her and head straight to Gepard.”

After another frantic dash, the group finally reached the interrogation room. As they approached, Stelle and the others could distinctly feel the anomaly of the gravitational field within.

At the same moment, the half-Stellaron in Stelle’s pocket seemed to sense something, growing increasingly hot.

”Who’s there? This is an active interrogation. Unauthorized personnel are prohibited from approaching!”

Seeing their arrival, the two Silvermane Lieutenants guarding the door immediately raised their weapons. ”Leave this area.”

The next second, Svarog lumbered forward with heavy steps, grabbing the two guards like they were chicks. The standard Silvermane spears jabbed at it, unable to leave even a scratch.

Stelle took the lead, charging forward and kicking open the interrogation room door. She stood at the entrance, brandishing a baseball bat. ”Uncle Yang! We’re here—to—save—you—!”

Under the astonished gazes of everyone, Stelle’s entire body seemed to freeze like a mosquito trapped in amber. Her movements slowed rapidly, her voice stretched out, and she ultimately became completely still.

Everyone: ...

Dan Heng: ”Let me explain. According to general relativity, the time in this room is being distorted by a powerful gravitational field, which is why Stelle is in this state.”

March 7th paused, then suddenly asked, ”So... Stelle can’t move right now, can she?”

”Not that she can’t move—she’s moving very slowly... Why are you asking this?”

March 7th coughed lightly, changing the subject. ”...Never mind that. What do we do now? If Uncle Yang doesn’t lift the force field, we’re just stuck watching.”

”Not necessarily,” Dan Heng shook his head slightly, looking at Stelle’s frozen figure. ”Don’t we still have Stelle? We came here to make Gepard change his mind at the last moment. Even if it’s just her, she’s enough to represent all our voices.”

”Hm, though we haven’t spent much time together, I can tell Miss Stelle is a very passionate person,” Seele chimed in. ”I was certain of that when she risked everything to save us Wildfire members.”

”Maybe a bit too passionate?” Bronya shrugged. ”And she always manages to surprise people. I can never guess what she’ll say next.”

Clara tugged at her hair. ”Hmm... a bit naive. I’m quite satisfied with a subordinate like her.”

”...” March 7th didn’t speak, but she couldn’t help smiling, thinking of how Stelle looked when she was serious. That warmth was comforting.

She was like a bond, connecting everyone standing here. All they needed to do was wait.

...

After entering the room, Stelle suddenly felt the surroundings were oddly empty. Turning around, she realized no one had followed her.

Stelle: Huh? Where’s my team? I’m out here making a grand entrance, and it’s super awkward!

”...You’ve finally arrived.”

Seeing Stelle, a relieved smile appeared on Welt’s face. ”Since you’re back here, I assume you’ve taken care of everything?”

”Yup, all sorted, Uncle Yang.”

Stelle pulled the remaining half of the Stellaron from her pocket. ”Gepard, come to your senses. Abusing the Stellaron’s power will only lead to an irreversible path.”

”That’s the other half of the Stellaron?” Gepard frowned. ”How did it end up with you? I clearly sent Cocolia to the Underworld to retrieve it.”

Stelle casually flicked his hair. ”Obviously... through the power of bonds!”

Gepard was utterly confused. ”What do you mean?”

”Well done, Stelle.”

Before Stelle could explain, Welt looked pleased. ”I understand now. I thought this mission might be a bit challenging for you young folks, but I overlooked the power of the bonds between you. Yes, yes, as long as you share a common ideal and an unbreakable friendship... (omitting yapfest)”

Gepard: ???

He was momentarily baffled. This serious, dependable middle-aged man who had been facing off with him for so long—how did he suddenly start resonating? How are you resonating with this?!