Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Faced with March 7th's reaction, Su Qing shook his head. "There's no need for secrecy because..."

March 7th was even more stunned. "So you mean, can I tell Sister Himeko and Asta about your affair with Stelle?!"

Stelle panicked further. "No way! How could we let others know about our secret affair?!"

Speechless, Su Qing retorted, "Stop saying 'affair'! There never was one!"

Bam! Bam!

In short, he swiftly gave both Stelle and March 7th a light tap on their heads to calm them down.

Once they clutched their heads, momentarily distracted, Su Qing took the opportunity to explain in detail what had actually happened just now.

"Oh! So you were helping Stelle recharge, not having an aff..."

Under Su Qing's stern gaze, March 7th chuckled nervously, "Ha ha, I just thought it might be... you know what."

Little March was genuinely curious about Su Qing's relationships with Asta and Himeko. However, feeling not quite close enough, she hesitated to ask directly.

On the other hand, she quickly bonded with Stelle; their similar ages and shared interests made them fast friends.

[Seele: Similar ages, as in both under five years old.]

[Natasha: Not even five—Stelle wasn't even a month old back then.]

[Qingque: Ha ha, can we say we've practically watched Stelle grow up since childhood now?]

[Stelle: Huh? Why do I feel like my generational status is dropping again?!]

[Stelle: When will my standing finally improve!?]

Su Qing reiterated multiple times that they should not spread this incident to avoid any misunderstandings.

Standing before him, Stelle and March 7th nodded vigorously, their lovely faces expressing determination. Their short gray and pink hair gently swayed as they assured him they wouldn't talk about it.

However, after Su Qing left, they huddled together to discuss the matter once more.

"So, Stelle, do you remember calling Su Qing 'Big Brother' when you first woke up?" March 7th, playing detective, raised her finger dramatically. "There must be something intriguing behind this!"

Stelle pondered, "It could be due to the familiarity induced by the Stellaron, which unconsciously led me to address him like that."

March 7th chimed in, "But according to TV dramas, this kind of familiarity usually hides a deeper secret, right?"

Seeming convinced, Stelle responded, "Now that you mention it, aside from the connection through the Stellaron, I do feel a sense of familiarity with Su Qing..."

[Fu Xuan: Could this be related to Kafka's influence?]

[Fu Xuan: Su Qing → Kafka → Stelle. It's not surprising if Stelle perceives similarities.]

[Seele: ? Reminds me of Fire's classic line: What Stelle thought was mountain-like maternal love is actually paternal affection, veiled behind layers.]

[Sparkle: Hilarious.]

[Sparkle: But now, Stelle has a new option.]

[Sparkle: Besides supporting Kafka or Silver Wolf, @Stelle, you can also choose to back yourself.]

[Sparkle: If successful, your status would instantly skyrocket!]

[March 7th: Sparkle is stirring things up again!!]

[Kafka: @Stelle]

[Kafka: (with an expression of deep regret and sorrow)]

[Kafka: I knew you'd grow up eventually, but I didn't expect this day to come so soon.]

[Qingque: So soon? Meaning just after birth.]

[Kafka: We have ultimately reached an impasse. When our swords cross... (sighs) show no mercy.]

[Sparkle: Ha ha ha ha!! This is too funny!!]

[Bronya: ? Why is Kafka being so cooperative?!]

[Stelle: Noooooo!! I genuinely had no ulterior motives!!]

[Sparkle: Hard to say.]

***

In the space station's staff lounge area,

Asta sat on a high chair, her left foot resting on a footrest while her right foot barely reached the ground, its tip gently tapping the floor in black heels.

With her chin propped up, she leaned down to sip from a straw, enjoying a mouthful of juice before continuing her conversation with Su Qing.

Following the Antimatter Legion's attack on the space station, these past few days had been incredibly busy. Not only did she need to ensure the well-being of the researchers, but there were also numerous post-incident tasks to handle.

Asta was overwhelmed to the point of near exhaustion.

Fortunately, after enduring the busiest period, indulging in Su Qing's cooking, and taking some rest, she finally managed to recover.

As they chatted casually, Asta recalled Herta's suggestion. She asked, "After this hectic time, there's a project involving visits to other planets. We..."

She paused, then changed her wording, "...you, would you be interested in going?"

Initially, Asta planned to accompany Su Qing on this exchange program, but due to the unexpected crisis at the space station, she couldn't spare the time. The thought of sending Su Qing alone truly pained her.

However, remembering Herta's advice, if it meant allowing Su Qing to feel more relaxed and willing to stay by her side for longer...

Asta made a significant decision, ready to give it a try.

[March 7th: Asta is already learning to lessen the weight of her emotions...]

[Natasha: Unfortunately, it's a bit too late.]

[Qingque: I feel that even if earlier, Su Qing wouldn't have stayed at the space station. Someone like him is destined for a broader world.]

[Natasha: Hmm, you may be right.]

Su Qing was genuinely surprised.

Asta had unexpectedly made such a suggestion herself.

He had been pondering how best to broach the topic of leaving the space station with her. This seemed like an opportune moment.

Opportunities must not be missed; once gone, they might never return.

Su Qing spoke up, "I won't participate in the exchange program, but actually, I've been planning to leave the space station soon."

Asta hesitated momentarily. "But this project would allow you to visit other planets, wouldn't it? I heard there are numerous rare ingredients there."

Su Qing shook his head. "That's not what I meant. After repaying my debt, I intend to depart from the space station permanently."

[Stelle (anxious): Isn't he being too blunt?! Does he not fear Asta exploding?]

[March 7th: I'm so nervous...]

Asta paused again for a few seconds before repeating, almost robotically, "But this project would give you a chance to explore..."

As expected.

Unless direct, the message wouldn't get through clearly.

So, Su Qing clarified further, "I want to resign as your personal chef. My intention is to leave the space station and venture out to discover other parts of the universe."

This time, his meaning was conveyed unmistakably.

This time, Asta didn't repeat herself; she was utterly stunned, as if her thoughts had momentarily ceased.

Someone nearby called out to Su Qing, reminding him of the upcoming banquet preparations and the numerous tasks he still needed to attend to.

Su Qing stood up. "That's all for now. Since it came up, I'll briefly mention it. The specifics can be discussed in more detail after repayment is made. I have other matters to attend to first."

After he left,

Asta remained seated, seemingly petrified, without moving for a long while.

[Silver Wolf: Not a frozen frame.]

A female staff member approached, saying, "Station Director, regarding the funding issue for repairs."

Asta did not respond.

He really intends to leave...

The young heiress hadn't anticipated this at all.

Why? Clearly before, Su Qing had grown fond of me and was even about to confess...

How could he suddenly decide to depart?

In the period leading up to the space station attack, Asta had been immersed in the blissful anticipation of love.

She felt ecstatic! Increase Su Qing's salary!

Then, they participated together in exchange programs, followed by expressing their feelings, getting engaged, making lifelong commitments, and dating...

[Seele: The order is wrong, isn't it?! Engagement and pledging a lifetime together before even dating?!]

[Firefly: Intense! Too intense!]

Now, all those beautiful future prospects were gone.

Su Qing was truly resigning, leaving the space station, leaving her?

As this thought struck Asta, her emotions seemed to materialize into a dense and terrifying black aura, rising from beneath her feet and distorting the surrounding space.

[Silver Wolf: Wow! A top-tier cursed spirit!]

[Stelle: Dun-dun-dah! (ominous music cue)]

[Stelle: You've angered the Queen of Substitutes, Asta!]

The heavy black aura spread, engulfing even the unsuspecting female researcher who had come to inquire about funding.

Terrified, the researcher stared at the usually energetic and adorable pink-haired station director, now transformed into a gravity vortex, unsure what had transpired.

[Firefly: Female Researcher: Wait, I didn't anger her, did I?!]

[Stelle: Enjoy.]

[Stelle: ? But explanations won't help; eliminate them all!]

"S-Station Director? What's happening here?" the female researcher urgently asked, only to find Asta with her head bowed, remaining silent.

She sought help from those around her but realized no one dared to approach.

Even Pepe, the station director's usually beloved pet, only mustered up two fearful barks ("Woof woof!") without venturing closer.

Fortunately, individuals capable of working at the space station were not lacking in intelligence.

Before being entirely engulfed by the black aura, the female staff member finally came up with an idea. She shouted loudly to her nearby colleague, "Quick, go fetch Lady Herta!"

[Stelle: Hurry and summon Buddha himself!]

***

After some time had passed, they found themselves in the meeting room.

Herta rested her chin on her hand. "So, what seems to be the issue this time?"

She observed Asta's condition briefly. Previously, Asta would come seeking her advice with various concerns, but this time, the situation appeared quite dire.

Herta cautiously asked, "...Did Su Qing break up with you?"

True to her nature, even with half the meeting room nearly overwhelmed and distorted by gravity, Lady Herta merely furrowed her brow, calmly inquiring about the cause.

Amidst the swirling black energy, Asta, head bowed, replied, "No, Su Qing wants to leave the space station. He intends to resign."

Surprised, Herta exclaimed, "Oh dear."

It seemed the situation was even worse.

Did her advice to Asta not have any effect? Perhaps there wasn't enough time.

Herta wasted no words and directly addressed the core issue. "So, he's leaving. What do you plan to do?"

Asta lifted her head, her eyes losing their sparkle. "Lady Herta, tell me, if I were injured, would Su Qing temporarily stay behind?"

[Bronya: Scary!!]

[Qingque: Why is this your first solution?!]

[Silver Wolf: ? But honestly, don't underestimate it—Asta's idea might actually work.]

[March 7th: Little Silver Wolf! This is definitely something you shouldn't emulate!!]

[Firefly: Hmm.]

[Kafka: Quite intriguing.]

[Himeko: There's such a tactic...]

[March 7th: How come all of you sound like you're considering trying it?!]

[Stelle: Caw! Su Qing: Doomed, surrounded by overprotective women!]

While Lady Herta wasn't startled, it was evident that she was quite speechless.

By harming herself to make him stay, right?

Throughout her life, she had rarely encountered such intense emotions.

...No, this was their first encounter with such behavior.

Although Herta didn't want to intervene directly, she felt compelled to oversee the situation to prevent it from spiraling out of control.

Thus, she suggested, "In any case, let's find a time to talk with Su Qing about this."

***

***

Su Qing had been grappling with how to tell Asta that he needed to leave the space station. Previously, he always found it difficult to broach the subject.

However, after experiencing the recent multi-person simulation,

he realized that no matter how strong Asta's gravitational pull might be on him,

it couldn't compare to the intense and oppressive atmosphere when Kafka and Himeko faced off against each other, creating a veritable battleground.

Dealing with Asta now seemed like a watered-down version compared to handling both Kafka and Himeko simultaneously.

With this realization and his experience from the multi-person simulation,

Su Qing managed to convey his intentions clearly and smoothly at the staff lounge.

[Seele: No way! Can Asta really serve as a substitute for all those scenarios?]

[Stelle: A universal stand-in indeed!]

[Qingque: True power brings unexpected surprises.]

[March 7th: And you're right, every time Su Qing makes progress or gains insights, Asta is the first to experience them.]

[March 7th: This time, his insights on handling chaotic gravity and the battlefield were also first experienced by her.]

[Fu Xuan: Though I suspect this is not the kind of progress Asta would have wished for...]

During a break, Herta proactively sought out Su Qing, suggesting he talk with Asta.

Su Qing initially glanced at Herta, pondered for a moment, shook his head, then ultimately agreed.

At that time, Herta didn't fully grasp the meaning behind Su Qing's headshake.

[Sparkle: ?? Wait, did he just combine experiences from multiple simulations, almost treating Herta like Silver Wolf?!]

[Sparkle: Impressive, Su Qing! That takes guts!]

[Herta: ...]

[Herta: Seems like I need to have a serious conversation with him later.]

[Bronya: Nearly using even Herta as a substitute, unbelievable.]

[Bronya:? Su Qing is too strong!]

[Silver Wolf: @Herta, need potato chips? I've got several boxes here.]

[Herta: ...No, thank you.]

[Qingque: Ha ha ha, well played!]

Indeed, Su Qing had briefly entertained that thought.

However, this situation was different as it wasn't akin to the previous conflicts between two individuals.

Su Qing swiftly abandoned the idea.

[March 7th: Adapting to circumstances instead of rigidly following past patterns—now that's true growth!]

[Stelle: ? Alright, alright! As expected, Asta is the undisputed substitute meal queen. Even Herta's genius can't surpass her!]

[Herta: ...I never had any intention of contesting for such a title.]

[Herta: Not even a tiny bit, not any thoughts at all, completely and utterly none.]

[Sparkle: ? Repeated emphasis.]

[March 7th: Exactly! Who would want to be a substitute meal?!]

***

In the meeting room, Asta stood ready with a stern expression on her small face.

Following Herta's advice, she temporarily suppressed her gravity manipulation, planning to first persuade Su Qing through negotiation to stay.

Even during negotiations with other research institutions or the Intelligentsia Guild, she hadn't been this serious.

Herta, sitting nearby, appeared slightly bored.

To her, regardless of how one looked at it, this was merely a trivial matter involving personal emotions.

What caught her by surprise was that Su Qing brought Stelle along.

The Stellaron, once sealed within the space station, had unexpectedly gained sentience...

This aspect did pique Herta's interest somewhat.

Stelle, wearing sunglasses and carrying several boxes, stood silently behind Su Qing.

The negotiation began!

Asta spoke first, "No way! You haven't repaid me for the debts I covered yet! You're not leaving!"

Snap!

Without saying a word, Su Qing snapped his fingers.

Stelle, still donning sunglasses, placed one of the boxes on the table, swiftly opened it, revealing stacks of credits inside.

[Seele: So this is Stelle's purpose?!]

[Stelle: I'm pretty awesome, huh? ?]

Asta glanced at the bills in the box, momentarily speechless. "...This, where did you get...?"

Su Qing shrugged, "Business secret."

Asta didn't press further but anxiously continued, "Th-then there's also the cost of ingredients..."

Herta, standing nearby, shook her head subtly.

Asta immediately panicked; these ingredients were originally gifted to him—how could she demand payment now?

Snap!

However, Su Qing snapped his fingers again.

Stelle opened another box filled with credits and placed it on the table.

Asta hadn't even checked if she had enough money but persisted stubbornly, "And, and there's also the interest for helping you with your debt..."

Snap! Snap!

Su Qing snapped his fingers twice in succession.

Stelle promptly placed two more boxes on the table, opening them up.

"Very well said," Su Qing remarked. "Even between close friends or siblings, debts should be clear." He nodded, "I've prepared the interest in advance as well."

[March 7th: Wow! Su Qing leaves no stone unturned!]

[Qingque (in awe): So many Credit points...]

As they gazed at the several boxes of money on the table, Asta didn't feel relieved; instead, she seemed close to tears.

She wanted to say something more but couldn't find the words, only turning to Herta with a pleading look for help.

"Hah..." Herta sighed, "That's enough. It appears this approach isn't working. Continuing like this will only make Su Qing dislike you."

Upon hearing this,

Asta pouted, feeling wronged yet refrained from saying anything further.

"All right, all right. The rest of the time is yours now. You can continue discussing privately."

Herta rose from her chair and walked towards the door, only to spot Stelle still standing behind Su Qing, maintaining a cool silence? Speechless, Herta directly grabbed her arm, "...You're coming with me too!"

Outside the meeting room, the door was slightly ajar. Stelle, March 7th, and Herta were huddled near it, peeping inside.

[Stelle: Can we really call it sneaking when it's about the Trailblazer?!]

March 7th muttered quietly, "So this is what childhood sweethearts look like?"

Pushing her sunglasses up onto her head, Stelle whispered, "Then what should we be called?"

"Hmm, maybe 'destined love'?" suggested March 7th.

"Chuckles," responded Herta.

Suddenly, Himeko's voice came from behind them, "What are you two doing?"

Stelle and March 7th hastily turned around, expecting Himeko to scold them for eavesdropping.

Instead, they saw Himeko gracefully flick her long red hair aside, "...Make some space for me as well."

[March 7th: ?? I'm literally dying of laughter!!!]

[Stelle: Oh wow, who knew you had this side, Sister Himeko!?]

[Himeko: ...Gathering information is also a crucial part of the Trailblazing journey.]

Near the slightly ajar door, from top to bottom, stood Stelle, March 7th, and Herta.

Stelle's hand rested on March 7th's shoulder, while March 7th had her chin propped on Herta's head, who crossed her arms across her chest.

A bit further away, Himeko leaned sideways, peeking into the room without crowding too close to the crack, maintaining some restraint.

Despite their different positions, all four were intensely focused, observing Su Qing and Asta's actions within.

They knew well that moments when Su Qing and Asta were alone together were the most critical.