Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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******

Beyond sorrow,

Katherine observed fatigue and indifference in Kafka's demeanor.

After Su Qing's departure, much of her innocence and youthful charm had essentially vanished.

"If Su Qing were still here," Katherine stepped forward, "I'm sure she would continue pursuing the remaining demons."

The rain was noisy, splattering against the umbrella, making it uncertain if her words reached Kafka.

After a moment, some life returned to Kafka's hollow eyes. "... Yes, I would do the same."

Kafka understood that Katherine was helping her find new goals for her life ahead.

"Thank you." She turned away. "Go back first; I'll stay here a bit longer."

Kafka remained in the rain for a considerable time.

Despite herself, she couldn't help but think that if given another chance, she would undoubtedly choose to remain...

***

***

Fast forward several years later.

Inside an abandoned building.

With effortless grace and fluidity, Kafka casually dispatched a few fleeing demons, showcasing her distinctive combat style honed over time.

[Stelle: Oh! During this period, Kafka had a laid-back, detached, and world-weary demeanor, quite intriguing.]

[Sparkle: Are you implying she seemed like a grieving widow?]

[Stelle: ?? No, I didn't mean that at all.]

Over these years, Kafka's thoughts had evolved.

Now, if given another chance, even using the Word Spirit Technique to forcibly drag him away, she would have pulled Su Qing from the battlefield without hesitation.

[Bronya: Quite a significant change, isn't it?]

During these years, Kafka became more mature and independent, developing her own perspectives.

Initially influenced by Su Qing, she had been determined to stay with him and face everything together.

But now, Kafka understood clearly.

Since Su Qing was the only one she truly cared for, wouldn't it suffice to simply take him away with her? As long as Su Qing lived, wasn't that enough?

[Seele: Just knock him out and carry him off, right?]

[Fu Xuan: Indeed. This venerable one was puzzled earlier; Kafka is not typically someone who prioritizes ordinary lives altruistically.]

[Himeko: While Su Qing was around, he acted like an anchor, steering Kafka towards lawful goodness.]

[Himeko: After Su Qing left, Kafka reverted to her spontaneous nature, returning to her true self. Or, as some might say, she went astray.]

[Fu Xuan: True.]

[Fu Xuan: @Kafka, you've turned mischievous! If Su Qing saw this, he'd surely give you a stern spanking.]

[Kafka (smiling): Care to guess what I might do with my Word Spirit Technique upon seeing Su Qing now that I've embraced mischief?]

[Fu Xuan: ...You wicked woman.]

As Kafka exited the abandoned tower, she noticed a perfectly intact soda can placed right at the entrance.

She stepped forward to examine it.

Suddenly, a spherical object was tossed in front of her.

Kafka swiftly leaped back, squinting. With her gun slightly raised, she watched as the figure who threw the sphere turned and ran away.

However, this spherical object wasn't a bomb but a projector.

A silhouette appeared on the projection, speaking, "Hello, Kafka..."

During their conversation, the shadow mentioned something intriguing.

Kafka's initially cold and slightly impatient expression suddenly shifted, showing deep emotion.

After a moment of silence, she said, "Better make sure what you're saying is true."

The silhouette responded, "Of course. As long as you follow fate's script, you will meet the person you desire to see."

In Tianyi-5, death was irreversible—a common understanding.

Yet, this self-proclaimed slave of fate suggested it might not be universally true across the cosmos...

Given this possibility, even if just a glimmer of hope, Kafka had little reason to hesitate.

"Then, I'm joining."

***

"So, what exactly did Elio tell you to convince you to become a Stellaron Hunter?"

A petite silver figure held her phone, rapidly typing messages while posing the question.

[Silver Wolf: ?]

[Silver Wolf: Isn't that me?]

[Firefly: The Silver Wolf on stream looks quite goofy.]

[Silver Wolf: That's something I should say myself... Wait, even I didn't mean to type that!]

[Firefly: Hehe~]

Nearby stood Kafka, fully matured and matching the audience's expectations perfectly.

"He told me that fate had laid out two paths before me, and once I embarked on one, the other would inevitably converge with it along the journey," Kafka explained.

Silver Wolf, head bowed as she typed on her phone, remarked, "Sounds like lines from a drama. Anyway, becoming a Stellaron Hunter first ensures you can meet the person you wish for, right?"

"Something like that."

Kafka didn't elaborate much, but Silver Wolf knew there was someone unforgettable back at Kafka's place of origin, holding immense weight in her heart.

"So what's this person you want to see like?"

"Very unique."

Silver Wolf pursed her lips. "That tells me nothing."

Kafka let out a soft laugh.

If she truly had to describe him, there were many things she could say. But the word "unique" sufficed for responding to others' inquiries.

Over these years, emotions had accumulated within her heart, akin to a bottle of aged wine sealed away.

The flavors it contained, whether delightful or sharp, she neither shared with others nor allowed herself to become lost in them.

Only at night, occasionally listening to music from the past played on the record player, would she rest her chin and wear an expression of nostalgia and reminiscence.

Just when will we meet again...

Kafka blinked her beautiful purple eyes. "And Silver Wolf, always texting someone? You're constantly typing messages."

"It's nothing." Silver Wolf pressed send, then put away her phone. "By the way, why are you being so gentle with the new girl? It's not your usual style."

Not far from them, a tall girl with short gray hair was selecting weapons.

[Kafka: Whose kid is this?]

[Stelle: Wow, who could have such a dashing, tall, and enigmatic figure? I can't even guess!]

[Seele: You sure know how to praise yourself.]

[Firefly: Stelle on the stream looks quite goofy.]

[March 7th: She always appears pretty goofy.]

[Silver Wolf: Lol.]

[Seele: Lol.]

[Stelle: Hey, I'm getting upset now? Seriously going to be mad!]

"Mainly because it reminded me of some past events."

Kafka now understood the complex emotions Su Qing must have experienced back then:

Not caring about personal sacrifices, as long as everything done helped her grow swiftly. Yet at the same time, there was worry—fear that she might stumble if moving too hastily...

Silver Wolf chuckled, "Why do you have such a motherly expression?"

"Ow!" Silver Wolf exclaimed after Kafka flicked their head.

With hands clasped behind her back, Kafka gracefully swayed towards Stelle's direction.

Silver Wolf followed closely, teasing, "Don't think being teammates means I won't dare to hit you."

As they walked side by side,

the narrative of this simulation drew to a close.

[Simulation Ended]

[Upon seeing these words on the screen, everyone began discussing the simulation's outcome.]

[Sparkle: That's it? Just like that?]

[Sparkle: I was hoping to witness Kafka sobbing uncontrollably, clutching her teddy bear with complete emotional breakdown, and then becoming a reclusive homebody forever.]

[March 7th: You've gone too far.]

[Himeko: Speaking of the epilogue segment, everything suddenly connected.]

[Himeko: I remember before Stelle was awakened at the space station, you spent some time with Kafka, right?]

[Stelle: Yes, indeed.]

[Stelle: But, um, the warmth I felt from Kafka's mother... It seems now that it was also passed down through generations.]

[Sparkle: @Stelle, what you thought was towering maternal love turned out to be paternal affection reaching across mountains.]

[Stelle: How peculiar!]

[Seele: Huh? What you're saying confuses me a bit. Isn't the simulation purely fictional? Why does it sound like Su Qing actually raised Kafka?]

[Kafka: Yes, it's all true.]

[Firefly: Before this simulation started, there was no disclaimer saying "purely fictional"...]

[Seele: ???]

[Bronya: They say those involved can't see clearly while observers do. Bronya: How come even after watching everything, you're still clueless?!]

[Seele: But then, th-that means... If Su Qing meets Firefly and Kafka together, won't it be really confusing? They're teammates, yet also...]

[Sparkle: That's exactly what I want to witness.]

[Fu Xuan: +1, that's precisely what I'm looking forward to.]

[Herta: +2, same here.]

[March 7th: Uh-oh! The chaos-seekers are at it again!]

[Firefly: After witnessing this simulation, I keep feeling like...]

[Firefly: (Sends a caring gaze towards Kafka)]]

[Silver Wolf: (Similarly sends a caring gaze)]

[Kafka: ...]

[Kafka: "After the Simulation, My Teammates Look at Me Differently Now."]

[Stelle: With this title, you could write an entire novel.]

[Kafka: I hope you all understand clearly—it was Su Qing who adopted me, not any of you. Refrain from showing any expressions of affection towards me.]

[Firefly: It's alright, it's all the same.]

[Kafka: No, it's not. Firefly, don't take advantage amidst the confusion again.]

[Firefly: Cough... (Caught red-handed) (Pretends to admire the scenery)]

[Himeko: (Smiling) Well, we've watched you grow up since you were little; some affection is inevitable.]

[Sparkle: Then let me make a suggestion.]

[Sparkle: How about from now on, Kafka, you call Himeko 'Mom'?]

[March 7th: Behold! A jaw-dropping proposal!]

[Stelle:?!]

[Stelle: (Universe spinning) (Deep in thought) No response.jpg]

[Qingque: That overloaded even Stelle's mind.]

[March 7th: Don't be like that, now I'm confused too...]

[Himeko: (Elegantly sipping coffee) If @Kafka wishes to do so, I wouldn't object. However, there are certain misbehaviors she needs to unlearn first.]

[Kafka: @Himeko, you might be talking in your sleep.]

[Silver Wolf: Raising little Kafka seems fantastic indeed. Not only can she assist in battles and keep the bed warm, but she also knows how to cook and has great musical taste.]

[Silver Wolf: So obedient! I wish I could have one too.]

[Kafka: Sorry, no duplicates available. She's already claimed by Su Qing.]

[March 7th: Honestly, I'd rather be raised by Su Qing myself.]

[Firefly (softly): M-me too...]

[March 7th: Exactly! I always felt a strong connection with Firefly!]

[Kafka (frowning, sensing real competition now): Hmm??]

[March 7th: Because Su Qing is truly so attentive and incredibly gentle. In this simulation, he was powerful, dependable, and very upright as well.]

[March 7th: Although the demon hunter exaggerated at the end, seeing Su Qing nurture little Kafka step by step made me want him to adopt me too.]

[Firefly: Agreed.]

[Seele: +1]

[Bronya: +2]

[Cocolia: @Bronya]

[Cocolia: ?]

[Bronya: Apologies, Mother. I just, just wanted to echo...]

[Seele: ???]

[Bronya: ?]

[Himeko: Little March has quite the discerning taste; indeed, those with rich emotions excel in such matters.]

[March 7th: Thank you for the compliment, Sister Himeko.]

[March 7th: Speaking of which, it reminds me of the end again. Waaah, Su Qing...?]

[Stelle: There, there, don't cry.]

[Fu Xuan: March 7th's words ring true. Sacrificing oneself to save an entire planet is undoubtedly heroic, even by Xianzhou's standards. If this venerable one were to encounter Su Qing, I would certainly extend due respect.]

[Qingque: @Black Swan, any updates on the Grand Diviner's simulation?]

[Fu Xuan: Your curiosity is bold, but haven't you been slacking off from your work lately?]

[Qingque: (frantically shaking head) No, not at all.]

[Black Swan: @Qingque, quality response: I do not know. Perhaps yes, perhaps no.]

[Fu Xuan: It is impossible to have such a simulation.]

The discussion about simulations continued for some time.

During this exchange, Silver Wolf brought up another intriguing point:

[Silver Wolf: In the timeline of the simulation, Su Qing was older than Kafka.]

[Silver Wolf: But in reality now, isn't... Kafka actually older than Su Qing?]

[Herta: You're right, it's quite intriguing.]

[Seele: So now there's a twist?]

[Sparkle: Changing to a more mature Kafka, ready to outshine Su Qing who is currently younger than her, correct?]

[Kafka: Heh, somewhat interesting.]

[Stelle: Will Kafka and Su Qing meet in reality?]

[Black Swan: Quality answer: I'm not sure either.]

[March 7th: Three questions, three unknows...]

[Stelle: Then what's the next simulation? Can you at least tell us that much?]

[Black Swan: Normally, we should proceed to Kafka's reflection segment... However, let me check—yes, this can be shared.]

[Black Swan: Hmm, the next simulation will feature Himeko.]

[Black Swan: It seems like... (laughs) in the upcoming simulation, Himeko might have a bit of love on the brain.]

[Kafka: Who?]

[Himeko: Me?]

[Stelle: Mom!]

[Himeko: Don't call me that.]

[Herta: Feels strangely familiar somehow.]

[Silver Wolf: Still hard to contain my excitement.]

[Black Swan: Alright, let's move into Kafka's reflection segment...]

[Himeko: Wait! @Black Swan, clarify what you mean by "love-struck."]

[Himeko: I'm sure you must have misinterpreted something.]

[March 7th: Exactly! Sister Himeko is so rational and intelligent; could she really be blinded by love? It's unimaginable.]

[Black Swan: (To avoid spoilers, sealing my memory)...(Confused) What are you talking about? I don't understand.]

[Himeko: ...]

[March 7th: Utterly Impartial]

[Kafka: But, @Himeko, you? Love-struck?]

[Kafka: ?? Never thought you had this side to you.]

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko: ??]

[Sparkle: Enjoying this.]

[Sparkle: Fight! Fight!]

[Sparkle: And now, Kafka truly has to call Himeko 'Mom,' right?]

[Kafka: ...]

[Kafka: ??]

[Sparkle: (Laughing with extreme delight) hahahahahahahaha!!]

[March 7th: King of Stirring Trouble]

Meanwhile, Su Qing, having completed the simulation, noticed that the rewards for this official run were exceptionally generous compared to previous ones.

Some of these rewards startled him, while others seemed likely to help him quickly repay his debt to Asta.