I just wanted you to make a movie: You made a Honkai Star Rail movie

At the same time, their resentment toward the IPC peaked.

Whether it was the ruthlessness of its internal personnel or the IPC’s apparent denunciation of investigations while secretly controlling Chadwick, all of this fueled their anti-IPC sentiments.

Even Aventurine’s already bad reputation suffered more collateral damage.

Amid these emotions, Saturday arrived.

The audience was both expectant and anxious.

After all, they didn’t know what new truths awaited them...

--------------------------

After the end of the The Trees At Peace storyline, the internet was filled with heated discussions.

It wasn’t just about the profound themes displayed, but also about the portrayal of factions in Honkai: Star Rail.

Whether it was the IPC, the Xianzhou Luofu, or The Family— they all exuded a sense of contradiction.

These factions weren’t portrayed as traditionally black-and-white forces but were filled with shades of gray.

Each had its own demands and means rooted in those demands.

This depiction added a layer of realism to the Honkai: Star Rail universe, making it even more captivating.

Beyond that, the characters introduced in the storyline left a deep impression: Dudley, Screwllum, and Chadwick.

An ordinary man from IPC, a king from the Planet Screwllum, and a normal human.

Their personalities and actions showcased their inner character logic, making the audience curious about the experiences and stories that shaped them.

Chadwick’s story was clear enough, but IPC and the Intellitron still remained mysterious.

...

: I have to say, Dudley, an utterly ordinary man, was annoying to the extreme, but that made him all the more realistic, and now I’m even more curious about IPC’s internal structure and detailed development history.

: Exactly! When will miHoYo release another super-large-scale Star Rail game like the Swarm Disaster! Hopefully, something related to IPC!

: And Screwllum! His role throughout the story was so captivating. I never thought I’d be so fascinated by a robot.

: There’s no helping it. High intelligence, high emotional quotient, and a uniquely distinguished identity. In some female dramas, this would be a top-tier character design—but he’s a robot!

: ? What’s so unfortunate about that? Screwllum is already the poster child for sapiosexuals. Just look at social media—some of the audience are downright extreme.

: Mainly because he’s so domineering! Despite Chadwick being trapped by The Family for so many years and IPC’s assistance, Screwllum still used his status to take him away!

: Now I’m even more looking forward to the Mechanical Wars storyline. Screwllum’s influence must have some connection to the two previous emperors. But the official site only has a few vague details about them.

: Same with IPC’s development history. They clearly experienced many ups and downs.

: If Honkai: Star Rail could use IPC’s story to showcase the economic dynamics between civilizations across the universe, it would truly be a masterpiece—though it already is one.

: Honestly, even one of the factions in Honkai: Star Rail could spawn an epic story. But miHoYo relegates these stories outside the main plot. This has never happened in entertainment history before!

: Urgent! I really want to see it! When will miHoYo release it?

...

As the audience discussed the The Trees At Peace story and their expectations, debates about the factions outside the story also stirred.

The most prominent argument was about IPC’s actions.

Anti-IPC sentiment had become mainstream in community discussions.

Aside from Topaz, the characters and actions displayed by IPC so far had drawn widespread criticism.

Some even questioned how IPC managed to become such a colossal force in the universe.

Despite being backed by the Preservation Aeon, Qlipoth, the faction so far seemed to contribute almost nothing.

These emotions spilled into the main storyline— especially since Aventurine, an Executive, was waiting in the wings.

With the example set by Episode 1, no one could predict what Episode 2 would bring.

Who knows, Aventurine might stir up even more chaos.

With this anticipation, the day passed quickly. Saturday arrived.

Countless the audience gathered early on the official website, chatting while waiting.

Meanwhile, within miHoYo’s office, employees were taking a short break.

Everyone had already gathered in the screening room—except for two young girls.

An hour before the main episode aired, off-tune singing could be heard from the training room.

The voice sounded somewhat familiar.

Inside the room, the one singing was none other than Firefly.

She stood with her fists clenched, singing as best as she could.

However, after just a few lines, her voice faltered.

”This won’t work. You need to, you need to show some spirit!” Opposite her, Robin, as a temporary trainer, gently corrected her.

Though Robin could sing, she wasn’t skilled at teaching others.

”S-sorry!” Firefly blushed deeply, averting her gaze in embarrassment, unable to meet Robin’s eyes.

She had never sung before— let alone performed boldly in front of others.

But she had to practice for a special surprise for Xia Wen.

”It’s okay,” Robin reassured her warmly, ”I think with just a little more practice, you’ll be able to bring this song to life. The boss will love it.”

”Really? My... my voice doesn’t seem suited for singing...” Firefly took a deep breath, voicing her concerns.

”No, this song works perfectly with your youthful tone,” Robin said encouragingly.

”If it were me singing, I probably wouldn’t be able to achieve the desired effect at all—because I sing too well,” said Robin.

Meanwhile, she lightly tapped the corner of the table with her finger.

For a moment, the venue fell into complete silence. The two sat together, gazing forward, each lost in their own thoughts.

It was Robin who first broke the silence. ”By the way, Firefly, what made you want to write such a song?”

”Well, there wasn’t any particular emotion driving it. I guess I just wanted to express something through music,” Firefly replied softly, her head lowered.

She wasn’t telling the truth.

During the filming of Penacony’s storyline, the script depicting a candid encounter on a stroll down the street allowed Firefly to immerse herself effortlessly, without needing any special acting techniques.

Sometimes, art imitates life.

She felt as though she wasn’t acting with Stelle but rather reenacting memories with someone who had once been a close companion. Especially the scene where they went shopping—it was almost identical to her first meeting with that person.

”... You’re really brave, you know,” Robin suddenly said, her tone a little melancholic, her eyes tinged with envy.

”Huh? Wh-why do you say that?” Firefly became flustered at once.

”Hahaha, it’s nothing. I’m just rambling,” Robin said, covering her insight with a smile.

”I think if you can pour your genuine emotions into the song and manage to stay on pitch, that alone would make it uniquely yours—a piece that only you, Firefly, can create.”

”That’s something even those who sing extraordinarily well long for but cannot attain.” Robin’s words carried a depth of understanding, though her tone remained light. She had clearly seen through Firefly’s inner feelings.

Of course, Robin could tell.

Firefly was a girl with a delicate softness, but she was also steadfast and courageous at heart.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have written such daring lyrics and had the guts to personally compose the melody.

”I see. I understand,” Firefly said earnestly. ”Shall I try again?”

Her simplicity made her miss the subtle shifts in Robin’s tone. She sounded genuinely eager to improve.

”Sure!” Robin replied with a smile.

Firefly nodded vigorously and stood up again, positioning herself before Robin.

She closed her eyes, imagining her own life, her desires, and the emotional changes she had experienced after joining Mihoyo.

”Ahem.” After clearing her throat lightly, Firefly shut her eyes and began singing.

Robin picked up Firefly’s handwritten lyrics notebook. The song’s title was scrawled on the top of the page, Close to You.

”When we gather together,

You came here,

Deciding to create a dream that comes true,

On your black hair,

we sprinkled the fine dust of the moon,

Adorning your dark eyes with starlight.

That’s why all the girls gather around you.

Like them, I’ve always longed for,

Being close to you.

Just like me, they’ve always longed for,

Being close to you.”

Firefly became more and more immersed in her performance.

As Robin had said, her technique was rough, but her tender, unpolished voice matched the song perfectly. The emotions conveyed through the lyrics were flawlessly expressed.

”These lyrics are so bold,” Robin thought to herself as she listened, impressed. ”Only someone like Firefly could write something so direct yet unreservedly sincere.”

The melody stirred memories of Firefly’s condition. It was precisely because of her health that she had become the brave, unabashedly honest girl she was today.

She didn’t want to wait—because time wouldn’t wait for her.

It was this drive to leave no regrets that had given her the courage to face everything head-on.

Robin couldn’t help but wonder if the boss might have a way to cure Firefly’s condition.

As Firefly’s gentle yet resolute voice filled the room, Robin’s emotions fluctuated—sadness for her own lack of courage, and sorrow for her friend’s illness.

Finally, when Firefly finished singing and came over to ask, ”How was my performance?” Robin snapped back to reality.

”It was amazing! Just get a little more familiar with the song and stay in this state—you’ll create something truly remarkable for the boss!” Robin clapped enthusiastically to encourage her.

”That’s wonderful!” Firefly beamed with joy, her eyes curving into crescents as she smiled. Her cheeks were flushed, and a few beads of sweat from her practice glistened on her face.

”But I have an even better suggestion,” Robin said softly, taking Firefly’s hand with a gentle sincerity. ”This deeply emotional song—if you performed it in a more fitting, grand setting, it would be even more impactful.”

”Eh? What kind of setting?” Firefly asked, tilting her head in confusion. She had only written the lyrics and hadn’t yet decided when or where to sing them.

”The Honkai: Star Rail Express Concert,” Robin said with conviction. ”Sing it at the end of the concert, as the closing song. The boss will surely be deeply moved.”

”Really? Me, singing at a concert?!” Firefly’s eyes widened in astonishment, and then she shook her head furiously. ”Such an important occasion... just playing the role of SAM and delivering a few lines already makes me feel so embarrassed...”

”Think about it, aren’t these lyrics of yours the voice of everyone’s heart?”

”The important thing is the intention and the emotions, Firefly.”

Robin thought about this scene, and a smile naturally appeared on her face as she said, ”Besides, opportunities like this are very rare.”

Firefly understood what she meant, but she thought even further—who knows if this opportunity would be the last one in her life? Her life, like a moth to a flame, was driven by those burning emotions. No matter how insignificant she was, she wanted to make the effort to experience it.

”I understand.”

”I—I will train hard!”

”If I make significant progress before the concert, I’ll give it a try...”

After some thought, Firefly finally nodded. Her words were tactful, but Robin already knew that the decision was made.

She began to imagine: if she could sing that song at the very last moment of the concert, what kind of expression would the boss have?

”I’ll secretly share this news with everyone.”

”After all, the emotions contained in this song will definitely resonate with everyone.”

”I also need to head to the studio to compose it. I want to make this song in an old-fashioned style.”

”That would perfectly match the musical vibe in Penacony’s storyline.”

Excited, Robin stood up and tightly hugged Firefly. The sudden enthusiasm left Firefly a bit overwhelmed.

At that moment, both of their phones buzzed with notifications.

”It’s almost time; the premiere of the second episode is starting soon.”

”Let’s head over; everyone is waiting for us.”

Seeing the message, Firefly and Robin left the training room together.

...

Not long after, they arrived at the screening room.

By this time, everyone had already gathered there. As the two entered, their eyes instinctively fell on Xia Wen, who was still sitting in that familiar spot.

Just as Firefly’s lyrics described, he was the one who had created a golden dream. This song expressed their inner passion, gratitude, and so much more.

”Let me convey these emotions to you without reservation...” The two thought in unison.

”Hurry up, come on!”

”We’ve been waiting for you for so long!”

By the circular sofa, Furina and the others were cheerfully waving at them.

”Alright! Sorry to keep you waiting.” They replied in unison, then exchanged smiles and joined their friends, hand in hand.

At this moment, the screen went dark, signaling the beginning of the show.

The long-awaited second episode of Penacony, Feverish Descent into the Abyss, had officially begun.

...

: It’s finally here! This week has been so unbelievably fulfilling.

: We’ve learned about Acheron’s true path, and the special story released yesterday raised our expectations to the max!

: I wonder if this episode will reveal anything about the other characters! I’m most curious about the three Trailblaze seniors!

: I’m dying to know more about the Watchmaker and Hanu’s stories. Will the secret of Penacony be revealed in this episode?

: And what’s Acheron’s purpose? As an envoy of the Nihility, she must be up to something big in Penacony. Very suspicious!

: The deaths of Robin and Firefly are also so strange! I hope this episode explains them!

: Don’t worry, folks. No matter what happens, we Hounds will uncover the truth!

: After spending a whole week on the forums and reading countless analyses from the pros, I feel invincible! No werewolf can hide from me now!

: Chill, Director Xia personally said in the livestream that it was all a misunderstanding! The tone of Penacony will remain sunny, lighthearted, and fun!

: I trust Director Xia wouldn’t lie to us, right? RIGHT?!

...

The comments flooded the screen, while the official site’s viewership numbers soared into the tens of thousands in an instant, continuing to grow by the same.

On the screen, the video slowly started. The second episode’s plot flowed seamlessly from the ending of the first.

Under the audience’s eager gazes, inside the Reverie Hotel, Aventurine and Stelle were staring at Robin, who was gradually dissolving into memory bubbles.

”Friend, when I witnessed this scene, my expression wasn’t much better than yours.”

”You’re not mistaken; it’s her—the renowned Robin.”

Aventurine’s face appeared on camera. Though only a week had passed, the audience’s opinions of him had undergone a rollercoaster of change.

Thanks to the Black Swan’s remarks and Aventurine’s own actions, by the end of the first episode, he had earned some sympathy. At least, he was no longer as disliked as before.

However, the goodwill barely lasted a week before plummeting again due to his conduct during the The Trees At Peace storyline revealed the day before.

”Tragic” was the word for it.

Now, viewers watched Aventurine with a mix of feelings.

Fortunately, they didn’t expect him to have much screen time in the second episode, so they figured they could tolerate him... for now.