Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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******

After typing the confession message, Silver Wolf agonized over it repeatedly. Finally, with determination, she clicked send.

As expected, on the first day, it remained unread. The second day and onwards... still unread.

Silver Wolf, however, felt somewhat relieved.

Regardless of anything else, expressing her feelings through this opportunity had lifted a burden from her mind.

Moreover, compared to seeing a rejection or receiving no response after it was read, having it remain unread was already much better.

It signified that there was still a chance.

[Firefly: Still dreaming! Still dreaming!]

***

Atop the tallest building in the neon-lit city, Silver Wolf looked around, taking in the entire urban landscape.

"So boring..."

Ever since Su Qing left, this place could no longer provide her with any amusement.

She gazed up at the sky.

The cosmos seemed within reach yet also impossibly distant.

Did Su Qing also find this place boring, prompting his departure?

For Silver Wolf, on that day, the game known as Neon City came to an end.

***

In the basement arcade,

Silver Wolf had already bid farewell to the owner and was now sitting at the simplest ball-striking game, attempting to break the high score left by Su Qing last time.

Tap, tap, tap.

She heard footsteps ascending the stairs—four individuals in total.

One man, one woman, a tin man, and...

[Stelle: Mom! Sam!]

[Stelle: And Blade, plus someone else!]

[Seele: ? Someone else will do.]

[Herta: Elio, right?]

Their second team-up.

For Silver Wolf, the novelty of partnering with Su Qing would never be replicated.

However, her experiences with Su Qing made her realize that having trustworthy teammates could make any "game" more enjoyable, regardless of its nature.

Stellaron Hunters, huh?

Not bad.

I hope you all can provide some excitement for me.

Silver Wolf looked at the person standing by the door and declared, "I'm in."

On that day, the game known as Punklorde came to an end.

***

Several years later.

Wearing goggles, Silver Wolf operated the electronic display screen, which showed the Interastral Peace Corporation's latest bounty on her...

4 billion credits!

The corners of Silver Wolf's lips curved into a smile.

Excellent, another record-breaking amount!

[Topaz (resigned): Don't treat the company's bounties like a score-grinding game...]

[Silver Wolf: Just grinding away. ?]

[Stelle: Hahahahahaha.]

After confirming the new record, Silver Wolf casually took out her phone.

She sent a message to Su Qing's old Punklorde account: "New bounty record, 4 billion! ?????"

[Herta: Quite fond of those emojis, aren't you?]

Su Qing's login history for this account was already several years old.

Now, Silver Wolf had started using it as a personal reminder system. Whenever she had something to say or remember, she would simply send it all in one go.

Before leaving Punklorde, Silver Wolf had specifically hacked into the system, cleared this account's data, and encrypted its communications.

Now, apart from Su Qing's original phone, nobody else could log in anymore.

As for whether Su Qing still had that old device or not?

Hmph!

Silver Wolf's expression turned slightly awkward.

Regardless, given how utterly heartless and cold-blooded that person was—discarding everything from the past as soon as entering a new phase—it must have been swiftly destroyed at the first opportunity. No matter how one searched, it would be impossible to find.

[Stelle: hhhh, now even Silver Wolf harbors resentment towards Su Qing.]

[Firefly: Absolutely! With no way to locate him, little Silver Wolf must be nearly driven mad with anger, right??]

[Silver Wolf: Not at all. I'm not angry in the slightest. Who cares about him? It doesn't matter. Anyway, I couldn't be bothered. It's fine either way.?]

[Sparkle: Enjoying this moment, aren't we? A textbook case, folks—quickly take notes.]

On another note,

the current Silver Wolf has grown since then.

In truth, she hoped Su Qing wouldn't see those foolish confessions from back then...

However.

Glancing at her phone, Silver Wolf realized that over these years, she had unknowingly sent several thousand messages.

Even if Su Qing were to log in someday, chances are he wouldn't scroll up far enough to reach the earliest ones.

[March 7th: Several thousand messages!?]

[Seele: ? That's terrifying!]

[Silver Wolf: A few thousand messages is normal; I just used it as a personal reminder or confessional.]

[Stelle: Is-that... really considered normal?]

[Kafka: Hmm, seeing Silver Wolf's message reminds me of something...]

***

The scene then shifted to a familiar setting for many viewers.

"So, what exactly did Elio say to convince you to join the Stellaron Hunters?" Silver Wolf asked Kafka while rapidly typing on her phone and sending messages.

[Bronya: Ah! This part feels so familiar!]

[March 7th: Isn't this from after Kafka's simulation?]

Kafka proceeded to respond, and Silver Wolf continued tapping out texts. This time, the audience could see the content on her phone:

Silver Wolf: "Kafka has someone very important back at her home. That's the reason she joined the Stellaron Hunters."

Continuing to type, Silver Wolf added: "I asked her about that person, and she said they were quite unique. Seriously, isn't that practically saying nothing? So vague!"

Finally, Silver Wolf hit send, directing the message to Su Qing.

[Stelle: You really treated it like a personal memo!]

At this moment, despite their playful banter, Kafka and Silver Wolf seemed to have a good relationship.

Little did they know at that time, not even in their wildest dreams...

[Seele: They were both interested in the same person!]

[Kafka: @Silver Wolf, Wait, you were messaging Su Qing back then??]

[Silver Wolf: @Kafka, echoing my past self's question: The important person to you was actually Su Qing???]

[Himeko: Laughing.]

[Firefly: Hilarious!]

The game "Universe" turned out to be far more enjoyable than Silver Wolf had imagined.

From Stellaron Hunters to the Interastral Peace Corporation, and even the Genius Society... There were countless individuals and entities she could view as rivals or elements of this grand game.

Punklorde phase of the game has ended, marked with a completion status of 100%.

Within the overarching game of "Universe," numerous subcategories existed, each with varying progress levels.

However.

Above the glowing miniature planet and spinning little galaxy, there remained Su Qing's chibi avatar.

The progress on those tracks, just like several years ago, showed no change whatsoever.

Now brimming with confidence, Silver Wolf felt capable of matching wits with members of the Genius Society without being outclassed.

[Herta: "Not being outclassed"]

If she were to meet Su Qing again, surely she could make some progress on those tracks, even if just slightly?

Especially for the last track, perhaps...

Silver Wolf pondered and felt that leaving it empty wasn't ideal. She had grown now, no longer as shy as before when she couldn't even draw a symbol.

So, after the goggles, sword, shield, and game controller symbols, Silver Wolf swiftly drew a question mark (?).

With a slight blush, she closed the light screen. Stretching casually, she pretended nothing had happened. "Alright, let's move on to the next mission."

[Firefly: Still so innocent, little Silver Wolf.]

As Silver Wolf approached her teammates, the scene gradually faded into darkness.

The simulation concluded.

[March 7th: Alrighty, finished watching another simulation. 😊]

[Stelle: And you've gained yet another "sole focus" CP, haven't you?]

[March 7th: No, not really... But this time, I didn't feel as upset as with the previous two.]

[Sparkle: With Silver Wolf being stubborn from start to finish, what's there to be upset about? It's just entertaining to watch, ~]

[March 7th: Actually, seeing Silver Wolf miss the final chance for goodbye was quite sad.]

[March 7th: However, I recovered quickly—why is that?]

[Fu Xuan: Because Silver Wolf always bounces back swiftly.]

[Fu Xuan: To summarize Silver Wolf's characteristics: unyielding, determined, and resilient against all odds.]

[Fu Xuan: Should we call these traits strengths? On the flip side, it also means Silver Wolf finds it harder to receive sympathy or comfort.]

[Fu Xuan: Even viewers can be affected; as you watch, it starts feeling less distressing.]

[March 7th: That makes sense...]

[March 7th: Bearing hardships alone, pushing through with sheer will, shedding tears silently. Poor little Silver Wolf, but truly admirable strength. 😢]

[Silver Wolf: No need for sympathy; it's the fate of a strong warrior. 🐺]

[Kafka: There's another reason Fu Xuan didn't mention—the initial wave of resentment she generated before the simulation began.]

[Kafka: Now that the simulation has ended, everything has settled. It's time...]

[Firefly: (eagerly) It's time for reckoning!]]

[Silver Wolf: ...]

[Silver Wolf: (stretching lazily) Alright, off I go to tackle the next mission.]

[Firefly: (grasping her left shoulder) Hmph, trying to escape!]

[Kafka: (holding onto her right shoulder) Your sole task now is to stay here.]

[Himeko: (smiling) Since you two have got her restrained, let me summarize Silver Wolf's simulation experience.]

[Himeko: Let me think...]

[Himeko: Online hacker lost, offline hacker lost, combat lost, game lost, tournament lost.]

[Himeko: Declaration of love went nowhere, attempt to continue teaming up interrupted, missed the final farewell, text confession remains unread.]

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko: (suddenly falls silent)]

[Kafka: (silent)]

[Firefly: (silent)]

[Silver Wolf: Curse you! Say something—anything! Even if it's just mocking me!]

[Stelle: Pitiful.]

[Seele: Pitiful.]

[Sparkle: ? So pitiful.]

[Bronya: ? Just stating the facts, and already so pitiable.]

[Qingque: Impressive. Didn't win even once?]

[March 7th: W-won at least once, right? During the final parting battle?]

[Qingque: Can we really call that a win?]

[Qingque: Setting aside the issue of disconnects, if you really want to call that a win, it feels more like winning the game but losing at life—just even sadder...]

[March 7th: Okay, I guess it doesn't count as a win after all...]

[Himeko: (puts down coffee) (gently massages her temples)]

[Himeko: Upon closer examination, I'm realizing just how truly unfortunate Silver Wolf's situation is.]

At this moment, Himeko no longer looked at Silver Wolf with sympathy; instead, her gaze held deep compassion.

[Himeko: With things being so dire for Silver Wolf already, there seems little need for mockery or further reckoning.]

[Firefly: Indeed...]

[Firefly: (retracts comment) @Silver Wolf, stay strong! If anything troubles you, feel free to confide in your teammates.]

[Kafka: (also retracts comment) @Silver Wolf, dear, would you like something to eat? It's on me. Don't be too upset.]

[Sparkle: (bursting out laughing) Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!]

[Sparkle: Simultaneously gaining pity from all their rivals! Silver Wolf has truly achieved something remarkable!]

[Herta: Now Silver Wolf truly embodies the ultimate clown.]

[Sparkle: (kneels on one knee) (holds up a crown)]

[Sparkle: @Silver Wolf, oh exalted King of Clowns, please allow me to bestow upon you this glorious crown!]

[The chat erupted with laughter!]

[Seele: HAHAHAHAHA, come on, not too much now!!]

[Firefly: Too funny, absolutely hilarious!]

[Himeko: (Can't help but laugh)]

[Bronya: ?? Haha, no, this is too harsh—how can Sparkle be so ruthless?!]

[Stelle: Laughed till I almost choked, hahahaha!? Oh my goodness, it's just too entertaining!!]

[March 7th: You guys shouldn't do this... (suppressing laughter) No...no (fighting back giggles), don't let Elation corrupt you all!!]

[Sparkle: @March 7th, if you want to laugh, go ahead—it's unhealthy to hold it in.]

[Silver Wolf: ...]

[Silver Wolf: ...At least I'm stronger than Firefly.]

[Firefly: ??????]

[Firefly: Hmph! Still daring to attack me, huh?!]

[Firefly: Su Qing and I hugged, you know—the kind where he held me too.]

[Firefly: Little Silver Wolf, what champion are you exactly?]

[Firefly: Handshake Champion? Electric Shock Champion? Six Hundred Consecutive Losses Champion? Failed Confession Champion? Spell Interruption Champion?]

[Firefly: Or perhaps, SMS Confession Champion? Thousands of Messages Champion? With not even a single win under your belt, how dare you claim superiority over me!]

[Seele: Wow! That's intense!!]

[Stelle: Firefly: Oh no, going all out now!]

[Stelle: Firefly: Ignite—The Ocean!? Obliterate the audacious Silver Wolf, blasting him to dust!]

[Qingque: Hahahaha, seems like Silver Wolf can't even handle Firefly anymore.]

[Black Swan: (Laughs) To be fair, Firefly's offensive power might unexpectedly be quite strong.]

[Black Swan: It just appears weak currently due to limited plot progression, putting him at a disadvantage against Kafka and Himeko.]

[Black Swan: But as soon as he faced Silver Wolf, it became a crushing display.]

[Firefly: Exactly, my future is definitely promising!]

[Silver Wolf: ...]

[Firefly: @Silver Wolf, say something!]

[Silver Wolf: ...]

[Stelle: Oh no.]

[Stelle: Was that criticism too harsh?]

[Herta: My assessment: boomerang effect.]

[Herta: If she hadn't been so mocking at the start and hadn't provoked Firefly just now, it wouldn't have ended this badly for her.]

[Silver Wolf: ...]

[Silver Wolf:Hmph... Hmph-hmph...]

[Silver Wolf:Hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph-hmph...]

[Stelle: ? Uh-oh, Silver Wolf has broken down!]

[Silver Wolf: I'm not broken! And besides, I haven't lost yet!]

[Kafka: The game is over, Silver Wolf.]

[Silver Wolf: No, it's not over. Have you forgotten about the multiplayer simulation?]

[Silver Wolf: That's where I will truly triumph and crush all of you!]

[Firefly: Still trying to put up a front?]

[Herta: After the Universe's End, we discovered Silver Wolf's stubborn mouth.]

[Fu Xuan: Once the Amber King's hammer fell, we found Silver Wolf's persistent mouth.]

[Sparkle: Delightful.]

[Seele: Laughing so hard.]

[Qingque: It feels like Silver Wolf isn't just stubborn; she won't even shed tears until seeing her own coffin.]

[Stelle: Incorrect. Even upon seeing the coffin, Silver Wolf would put on sunglasses and ask: "Is this the latest gaming pod model?"]

[Qingque: Hahahaha, that fits her character perfectly.]

[Silver Wolf: Say what you will. Just hope you're not too embarrassed when I achieve a resounding victory. ?]

[Bronya (thoughtfully): Must admit, Silver Wolf is truly tenacious.]

[Seele: ?, seems like Bronya might actually admire her somewhat.]

[Bronya: Her unwavering spirit indeed deserves recognition.]

[Black Swan: Regardless of our opinions, the discussion around Silver Wolf's simulation has been quite lively.]

[Sparkle: "Lively," indeed—yes, it certainly hasn't lacked excitement.]

[Black Swan: Following tradition, we should allow Silver Wolf to share her thoughts on this simulation first. However, Su Qing has already returned to reality...]

[Stelle: I know, (raising hand) it's my favorite part—the Asta segment!]

[Seele: Wow, since when did you have a favorite Asta segment?]

[Seele: ? But honestly, reading Asta's fantasies each time does seem pretty entertaining.]

[Qingque: +1, it's bizarre! But undeniably entertaining!]

[March 7th: You guys actually enjoy this substitute drama?!]

[March 7th: So you all just love twisted emotions, huh?!]

[Sparkle: Heehee, can't get enough of it—time for more twists!?]

[Stelle: @Black Swan, hurry up! Bring it on!]