The Gamer who traveled to Honkai: Star Rail

In Kafka's view, Pei Guang's suggestion was… well, far from reliable. In fact, it seemed entirely driven by his own whimsical logic.

But after a moment's thought, she realized it wasn't entirely impossible. Being beaten into that humiliating state by Dan Heng would leave any normal person's mind in ruins. Yet Blade had somehow managed to cling to sanity, no matter how fragile, thanks to his returning memories.

Given his situation, granting Blade a weapon effect akin to Dan Heng's might actually help him regain some confidence and keep him from succumbing fully to his "Mara-struck" condition.

Kafka: "If it's possible, I'm in favor. Then I'll leave the rest to you."

Pei Guang: "No problem! Nobody else wants this spoon anyway."

As far as weapon glamors went, Pei Guang found the spoon lacking in flair. If it didn't have the goofy cuteness of Dan Heng's pink bunny or a slick, stylish design—or at least some attractive stat boosts—then it wasn't really his thing. Nobody else seemed keen on it, either.

But just because he didn't want it for himself didn't mean he couldn't pass it along to someone else. Giving it to Blade, so that one day when he inevitably confronted Dan Heng again—imagine watching a battle of Pink Fluffy Bunny vs. Spoon-Wielding Killer. What a spectacle that would be.

And why not simply get rid of Blade? Well, that came down to Dan Heng. From the beginning, Pei Guang had picked up on Dan Heng's real motive: he might fear Blade, but all he truly wanted was for those who insisted he was "Dan Feng" to acknowledge that he was "Dan Heng."

The rest? Dan Heng didn't care much. He cared about his companions, about his own experiences, and just wanted to do what he wanted.

As for the sins of his past life, reincarnation or not, Dan Heng had no intention of making excuses. He just wanted to keep moving forward on his own terms.

When the battle in Scalegorge Waterscape concluded and they spared Blade, it was clear that Dan Heng had no intention of killing him. Otherwise, Pei Guang would have simply forced an eternal seal on the immortal.

Since Dan Heng didn't want Blade dead, and now the Stellaron Hunters were asking him for help—plus it involved Stelle—Pei Guang saw no need to eliminate Blade, either.

He was just another elite enemy to loot. Each encounter, each scuffle was a chance to pick his pockets. Besides, the mere thought of a solemn man wielding a giant spoon in battle was too amusing for any player to resist.

No one could withstand the humiliation of being beaten by Dan Heng's pink bunny, but likewise, no player could resist the spectacle of fighting someone with such an absurd weapon.

And so, while Kafka had her own considerations, Pei Guang marched into the room to modify Blade's weapon.

The process was simple: take Blade's weapon, slap on a weapon effect, and leave.

At least, that was the plan. But when Pei Guang saw Blade's shattered sword, he paused in surprise. "Wow, that's… that type of weapon, huh? By the looks of it, he hasn't used any special techniques—just normal swings with a dash of elemental effect? Tsk, what a waste."

Outside, March 7th—who had been eavesdropping by the window—couldn't help but ask, "So, is there something special about his weapon?"

Pei Guang shrugged. "I wouldn't say 'special.' But in my experience, characters who manage to keep fighting despite a broken, half-reassembled weapon end up becoming super strong someday. Who knows? Maybe this guy will turn into a real final boss, or maybe he'll join our team."

March 7th teased, "If it's related to us, it's gotta be one of two things—he's either an enemy, or a future friend."

Stelle chimed in, "Or is there a third possibility?"

Pei Guang grinned. "Of course there is: turning him into raw materials and hooking him up to the grid."

At those words, the atmosphere abruptly turned icy, and even Blade—unconscious and sleeping like a baby—seemed to shiver.

March 7th frowned in genuine concern. "That would make him an enemy… right?"

She'd gotten used to Pei Guang's unsettling jokes, but by her logic, if you're using someone as an energy source, they're probably not an ally.

Pei Guang answered with utmost seriousness, "Not necessarily. If I turn him into fuel, that has nothing to do with him being an enemy. It's just because I need him for materials."

March 7th winced. "That's so cruel!"

Pei Guang shrugged. "Space is a big place, and I'm free to do what I want."

March 7th shook her head vigorously. "No way, no way. I can't even imagine you going that far. Honestly, the way you are right now suits you better—exploring world after world, uncovering new unknowns. And one day, when we're bored of it all, we'll settle down on some nice planet and live a quiet life. You told me that yourself—hasn't it only been a few days? Don't tell me you've already forgotten!"

Pei Guang chuckled. "Hey, I still want that life. Besides, playing a strategy sim is exhausting in a realism mode like this—you'd have to abandon your humanity at some level. Sure, I could do it, but just the thought makes me feel tired."

He emerged from the room mid-conversation. Meanwhile, Kafka, watching March 7th with great interest, took note of how special the young woman was: her identity, her existence—there was more to her than met the eye.

Kafka herself had no idea what trick March 7th had used to restrain Pei Guang. Unfortunately, as a Stellaron Hunter, she wasn't privy to any foreknowledge Elio chose to withhold.

Still, after attaching a weapon effect to Blade's gear, Kafka turned to Pei Guang. "Thank you for your help. Next, I'll use my Spirit Whisper technique on Blade to erase certain memories and help him accept this new… gift from you. But I also need your assistance—could you keep the Cloud Knights off our backs for a while? If my chanting is interrupted, things could turn ugly for both me and Blade."

Pei Guang waved a hand dismissively. "No problem, don't worry. I'll make sure nobody bothers you."

Kafka: "Thanks~ But just having you stand guard for me would be boring—want to play a little game?"

Pei Guang: "Oh? You want a round of Gwent?"

Kafka pondered seriously. "Hmm… I'm not good with card games. Let's do something else—how about Truth or Dare? Or, more specifically, the version Silver Wolf often plays: each person poses questions to another, but the responder gives one truthful answer and one lie. It'll kill time, and it'll keep this meeting from being too dull. What do you say?"

Hearing this, Pei Guang nodded. "Alright, that could be fun. But I'll choose who's up. I nominate… Stelle! You go."

Stelle: "Huh? Me? Ah Guang, why don't you do it?"

Pei Guang: "You and Kafka have related backgrounds, right? This is a great chance to ask her some questions—like why you feel a connection to her. Who knows, maybe my earlier guess is correct and she's actually your mom."

Before Stelle could say a word, March 7th gasped. "Seriously? I mean, you two don't look alike at all. And no offense, but Kafka's more… mature, kinda like a femme fatale, while Stelle…"

March 7th turned toward Stelle, who was standing there with hands on her hips, wearing an innocent yet mischievous grin. The idea of these two being mother and daughter? March 7th couldn't believe it.

Kafka smiled. "If that's really the question you want answered, I can give you an answer."

Stelle's eyes lit up. "Yes! Tell me, am I actually related to you?"

Kafka responded with a wink. "Genetically speaking, you are indeed my child. But Silver Wolf, Blade, and Sam aren't exactly the parenting type, so the responsibility of raising you fell on me—it nearly drove me crazy. The moment I saw an opportunity, I pawned you off onto the Express crew."

No sooner had Kafka said this than Stelle glanced at Pei Guang. "Ah Guang, you've got experience—what do you think? True or false?"

Pei Guang shrugged. "No idea. But I did notice her eyes darting around when she said that. Which means it's probably not entirely true. According to the rules, we can call that the 'lie' statement. So next time she answers, she has to tell the truth."

Stelle's eyes sparkled. "I see! Then you ask us something, and we decide whether to tell the truth or lie."

Stelle was raring to continue, but Kafka interrupted. "We can't go on with the game, I'm afraid. The Cloud Knights have arrived. According to fate, they'd normally fight you. But fate has changed, so I'm not sure how it'll go this time. I need you to hold them back—please don't let them interfere~"

Pei Guang nodded. "No problem!"

Kafka flashed a smile, then turned to focus on Blade; she was about to invoke her ability. Originally, the prophecy said she'd contact Stelle, but with Pei Guang's appearance, she chose to find him instead.

The prophecy didn't specify what would happen with this approach, but Kafka guessed Pei Guang would show up with Stelle. According to Elio's version, Stelle would clash with the Cloud Knights to buy time for Kafka's incantation.

Of course, the prophecy also noted a possibility of Stelle's rebellion flaring up, using some other method to draw the Cloud Knights away. Either way, the result was the same.

But Kafka was curious: with Pei Guang thrown into the mix, how would this story unfold?

Moments later, something happened that neither she nor Elio had foreseen.