Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Inside the space station, Su Qing was in his room, reviewing the settlement results from the recent simulation.

[Simulation Rating: S+(800)]

[Brief Analysis: Legendary Hacker +200; Tournament Participation +100; Defeating All Hacker Organizations +300; Multiple Victories over Silver Wolf +150; Other +50.]

[Simulation Level: lv4 (40/1200) → lv4 (840/1200)]

[Rewards Received: Luck Booster Gum x3.]

[Inherited Talents: Growing Genius, Ether's Friend Lv3 (21/100)]

The final score for this simulation was quite high, being the highest yet.

However, as the Simulation Level progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to advance, hence there was no level-up this time.

One interesting aspect in the settlement details was "Multiple victories over Silver Wolf."

This point was specifically highlighted and contributed significantly to the score.

Upon further inspection, Su Qing realized that since Silver Wolf is also a legendary hacker, defeating her repeatedly boosted his reputation, thereby increasing his fame.

...Well.

If only he had known earlier, he would have engaged in more battles with Silver Wolf.

[Silver Wolf: Hmph, if we fought more rounds, who knows who would've come out on top.]

[Stelle: Silver Wolf admits: In more rounds, I'd still gift Su Qing another ten points!]

[Sparkle: Enjoying the show.]

[Seele: ? Ha ha, Silver Wolf seriously, I'm dying of laughter - she just keeps handing out points.]

In terms of rewards, since there was no level-up this time, Su Qing only obtained the item [Luck Booster Gum].

Chewing this gum apparently enhances luck; it seems best to save it for when needed.

Other noteworthy aspects...

The Growing Genius Talent doesn't seem to have distinct levels, but perhaps it can be further strengthened in the future?

She also inherited the blue-tiered [Ether's Friend], which Su Qing genuinely appreciates as it offers significant convenience.

For a simple example:

If sitting on a couch and unwilling to get up yet wanting snacks from the table, with this talent, one could use ether editing to directly modify the coordinates of the snacks, bringing them right into their hands.

[Qingque: Ha ha! This talent is truly practical!]

[March 7th: Indeed! I want it too!]

After reviewing her talents, Su Qing summoned the panel again to check her Stellaron within.

The Stellaron now brimmed with energy, appearing as a shimmering golden sphere that slowly rotated, looking quite aesthetically pleasing.

Upon completing its charging, the system prompted that the Enhanced Simulation would soon begin.

Su Qing speculated...

Was it because this simulation coincidentally had a time limit?

Or perhaps if left unchecked, would the Stellaron's energy dissipate over time?

Originally, Su Qing planned to take a break before starting the next simulation.

He also intended to use the automatic typing machine again, writing some beginner tips on hacking, similar to his previous interstellar aviation guide.

[Firefly: I got it! In this book, Silver Wolf must be called Hacker A!]

[Himeko: I believe it should be Teammate B, fittingly allowing Kafka to become Teammate A.]

[Kafka: Heh, trying to drag others down with you, Classmate A?]

[Silver Wolf: Incorrect. If Su Qing were to name me, it'd likely be something like "The Unparalleled Genius Hacker Teammate".]

[Himeko: ...Do you really think he'd choose such a name?]

[March 7th: That name is way too long!]

[Stelle: But isn't such a lengthy name perfect for padding word count?]

[Seele: Brilliant!]

***

In any case, Su Qing briefly reviewed the gains from the last simulation and prepared to commence the multiplayer scenario.

Considering the system's warning of increased difficulty, he felt somewhat intrigued.

Engaging with formidable adversaries could indeed be quite an exhilarating experience.

[Black Swan: Let's all guess who will win in this multiplayer simulation.]

[Black Swan initiates a poll in the live stream.]

***

[Please select who you think will emerge victorious in this multiplayer simulation:]

[A. Kafka.]

[B. Himeko.]

[C. Silver Wolf.]

***

[Silver Wolf: I'm betting on myself. ?]

[Firefly: Me too! Let me see... Eh? Why isn't there an option for me??]

[Firefly (confused): @Black Swan, um, was it forgotten or something?]

[Black Swan: Apologies, Firefly, it wasn't forgotten...]

[Black Swan: It's just that you don't seem to appear in this particular simulation...]

[Firefly: ? Ah?????]

[March 7th: Wait, where's Firefly?! What happened to my big Firefly!?]

[Black Swan: Don't lose heart, @Firefly. Penacony is your stage.]

[Firefly (revived, looking at Black Swan): Yay! Really?]

[Black Swan (averting gaze): Probably true... but only as a guess, with no solid basis.]

[Firefly: Probably??? Why "probably"?]

[Black Swan: Because it's merely my speculation, without any evidence.]

[Firefly: How could this be...???]

[March 7th: @Firefly, patting head, don't cry, dear.]

[Qingque: Poor Firefly indeed.]

[Stelle: @Firefly, don't lose heart! You've already reached Penacony—now go make your mark!]

[Firefly: Really? Can I actually do it??]

[In any case, devastated by losing her chance to compete, Firefly retreated to a corner, shedding tears like a sad cat.]

[Stelle: @Black Swan, who do you think will win?]

[Black Swan: My memories are sealed away, so I don't have more information than the rest of you.]

[Stelle: Give us a spoiler hint, March 7th can handle anything!]

[March 7th: You said that last time too! If you want spoilers, get them yourself!!!]

[Stelle: Well then, no need to hesitate...]

[Stelle: @Kafka, my choice is clear!]

[Stelle: All-in! All-in on Kafka!]

[Stelle: Six years together, day and night. Emotional support, bonds forged through growth.]

[Stelle: With such purity, what's there to doubt or question?!]

[Stelle: I'm choosing Kafka! Kafka will surely triumph!]

[Kafka: @Stelle, thank you. Having your support truly makes me happy.]

[March 7th: Stelle has a point. Kafka is practically considered half-daughter due to their deep bond; she stands a high chance of winning...]

[Stelle: ? Going all-in is a strategy of wisdom. Everyone, quickly join me in choosing Kafka!]

[Qingque: Then I'll bet on Kafka too. I feel like the chances of the "villainous woman" winning are quite high.]

[Sushang: hhh Is that why Qingque chose her? It does seem reasonable.]

[Natasha: I'll go with Kafka as well.]

[Seele pondered if this was mutual appreciation between cunning women? She recalled how Hook often referred to Natasha as an old witch...]

[Fortunately, Seele had been frequently "affectionately" educated by Natasha, preventing her from voicing those thoughts.]

[A significant number of viewers also picked Kafka.]

[Firstly, as Stelle mentioned, Kafka and Su Qing shared a deep bond.]

[Secondly, being both a Stellaron Hunter and a "villainous woman," she clearly possessed formidable strength.]

[Combining these factors, it seemed highly likely that Kafka would gain an advantage in the multi-player simulation.]

[Fu Xuan: This venerable one will choose Himeko then, given the significance of being the legitimate ex-girlfriend.]

[Fu Xuan: Despite past misunderstandings, once she meets Su Qing and clears them up, victory should be assured.]

[Himeko: (elegantly lifting her coffee cup) Fu Xuan truly lives up to being the Grand Diviner, displaying remarkable foresight and keen insight.]

[Fu Xuan (smiling): Not at all. As the navigator of the Astral Express, Himeko embodies courage and wisdom, truly exceptional qualities. This is also one reason this venerable one chose you.]

[Stelle: There it is, mutual flattery time!]

[March 7th: Yes, yes! Sister Himeko is so smart, being the canonical ex-girlfriend...]

[Himeko (correcting): Little March, it's canonical girlfriend, not ex-girlfriend.]

[March 7th (panicking): Ah! Right!]

[Clara: Then Clara chooses Big Sister Himeko too. Clara wants...(blushing) to continue seeing more sweet love stories.]

[Sushang: I choose Himeko as well!]

[Herta: @Himeko, will we win?]

[Himeko: We will indeed.]

[Herta: In that case, my vote goes to you.]

[To be honest, aside from the final collapse, throughout most of the story, Himeko emerged victorious again and again.]

[If a game had multiple paths, then Himeko's storyline would undoubtedly be the most orthodox and mainstream route.]

[Her character deeply resonated with ordinary viewers like Clara and Sushang, who favored "pure love" narratives.]

[Additionally, as Fu Xuan mentioned, Himeko possesses elegance and intelligence, along with apparent strength.]

[Thus, Himeko received the highest number of votes.]

[Silver Wolf: So nobody picked me? :(?]

[Stelle: ? → ???, huh?!]

[Stelle: Curse you! Why can't those sunglasses ever come off?! Another holographic projection!]

[Silver Wolf: Because I'm, like, a master hacker!?]

[March 7th: While Silver Wolf's chances of winning might indeed be slim... it's sad that no one chose her at all. I want to show some support too.]

[Stelle: March 7th, how do you manage to pick everyone? You fickle flirt!]

[March 7th: Oh dear, it's such a tough choice. If only there was a way for everyone to win!]

[Bronya: Um, I-I'll choose Silver Wolf then.]

[March 7th: Oh!!!]

[Seele: ?????]

[Stelle: ?????]

After seeing Bronya actually vote for Silver Wolf:

[Seele: Wait, you're serious??]

[Silver Wolf: @Bronya, excellent choice, great taste!?]

[Stelle: Breaking news! Belobog's Supreme Guardian goes bankrupt.]

[Stelle: Turns out, it's because she bet everything on Silver Wolf...]

[Bronya: It wasn't a bet! That won't happen!!]

[Seele: @Bronya, why did you choose Silver Wolf?]

[Bronya: One reason is that I always felt there were some similarities between us.]

[Seele: Like what? Always coming up short? That certainly fits.]

[Stelle: Like what? Being a pushover? Not impossible, I guess.]

[Bronya: No way!]

[Sparkle: LOL.]

[Bronya: It's other aspects! Just...there was something about her that resonated with me.]

[Bronya: The other reason is that I sensed Silver Wolf has incredible resilience. Since no one else picked her, I figured I'd support her.]

[March 7th: All righty then, as expected from Belobog's Supreme Guardian! Beautiful inside and out.?]

[Bronya: Even though my chances of winning didn't seem high...]

[Silver Wolf: @Bronya, don't worry, watch me carry you this round.!]

[Silver Wolf: Everything lost shall be reclaimed! Every mockery shall be repaid! This time, victory is mine!]

[Stelle: Wow! So intense!]

[Firefly: What makes you think you're so strong, little Silver Wolf? Talk about cocky.]

[Silver Wolf:? Excuse me, but those not participating should keep quiet.]

[Firefly:(virtually collapses on the spot)]

[Stelle: No! Firefly!!!?]

[Firefly: Waaaaah...no, even if I'm disqualified, I still choose myself!]

[March 7th: Excellent choice, showing real determination!]

[Seele: I choose Firefly too! We agreed to support her earlier, so even if she's not officially listed, my vote goes to her.]

[Firefly (moved): Seele! Thank you so much!]

[Sparkle: Then I'll also choose Firefly.]

[Firefly (guarded): Eh? Why?]

[Sparkle: Wait, why are you touched when Seele chooses you but cautious with me?!]

[Stelle: ? → ???, huh!]

[Sparkle: Seriously, don't jump to conclusions so quickly...]

[Sparkle: Actually, once someone is chosen, they can't just sit back and enjoy the show anymore.]

[Seele: Sparkle knows how to have fun.]

After some indecision...

[March 7th: Aaaaah! In the end, I'm voting for Sister Himeko!]

[Stelle: What? Life truly takes unexpected turns; never thought we'd become rivals, March 7th...]

[March 7th: It's just a vote, don't take it too seriously!]

[Himeko (smiling): Little March made the right choice—you won't regret it.]

***

[Once everyone had cast their votes:]

[Black Swan: Let's summarize the results.]

[Black Swan: Himeko has the highest number of votes, followed closely by Kafka.]

[Black Swan: Firefly wasn't on the list, yet received three votes. As for Silver Wolf...it seems like only two votes?]

[Sushang: Firefly didn't even have options and still got three votes!?]

[Qingque: Looks like Silver Wolf lost everything right at the start.]

[Black Swan: Before beginning the multiplayer simulation, does anyone want to say something?]

[Kafka: Thinking back on that ending still stings my heart. If given another chance, I wouldn't let any circumstances cause me to miss him again.]

[Himeko: Su Qing was always my boyfriend; misunderstandings are merely part of the journey for emotional growth. When we meet again, I will express these years' worth of feelings to him.]

[Silver Wolf: My victory is certain; this competition holds no suspense.]

[Black Swan: @Firefly, do you have anything to add, Firefly?]

[Firefly: Why don't I get a chance to appear?!]

[Stelle: Aiyah, Firefly only knows how to cry!]

[Sparkle: ? Firefly only knows how to cry!]

[Qingque: Hahahaha, too funny.]

Just as everyone finished voting, Su Qing began the Enhanced Simulation.

[Simulation Location: Atuin Pulsar.]

[Description: The Fervent Observers are hosting an auction at Atuin Pulsar, featuring numerous artistic masterpieces and rare treasures. This event undoubtedly attracts the attention of various factions.]

[Main Quest: Choose your faction and complete the corresponding faction tasks.]

[Note: Talents will not be selected before this simulation begins. However, upon completion, based on the main quest's progress, you may choose one golden-tier talent.]

Seeing the final note, Su Qing instantly perked up.

Golden-tier talent? Excellent! Time for some thrilling combat!

Su Qing decided that achieving a perfect completion in this simulation was his goal.

If purple-tier talents were already so powerful, wouldn't a golden-tier talent make him unstoppable?

With determination, he closed his eyes and began the simulation.

***

At Atuin Pulsar, atop a tall building near the auction house location.

Two figures overlooked the area where the auction would take place.

The site was brilliantly lit, and despite days remaining until the event, security measures were already stringent with numerous guards patrolling.

On the rooftop,

Kafka, hands clasped behind his back, smiled, "The level of security for this auction is even higher than anticipated."

Silver Wolf, head bowed as he operated an electronic screen, nodded and said, "Yes, I expect within two more days, this vantage point will also come under surveillance."

After observing for a while longer, the pair departed.

Silver Wolf turned off the light screen and took out his phone, "Speaking of which, I recently read a demon hunter novel, quite interesting actually. You might enjoy it too."

"... A demon hunter novel?"

Upon hearing this keyword, Kafka indeed became somewhat interested. "Send it to me; I'll read it when I have time."

"Sure."

As Silver Wolf agreed, he continued typing a message on his phone: Many of the auction items for this mission seem quite intriguing. If you're interested, feel free to participate.

Kafka's curiosity was piqued. "So, with all these frequent texts, who exactly are you sending them to?"

Silver Wolf pocketed his phone. "A guy who never goes online."

Although framed as an invitation, Silver Wolf merely treated it like venting to a confidant, casually sending messages.

... After all, there was no way that person could ever log in.

[Firefly: What about me?! Why didn't you bring me along on such a great mission!?]

[Silver Wolf: It's an auction, remember? With you there, everything would go boom, leaving us unable to complete the task.]

[Kafka: @Firefly, don't worry, we're teammates after all.]

[Firefly thought she'd receive some comforting words.]

[Kafka: Although you weren't included in this mission, once Su Qing and I get married, I'll definitely invite you.]

[Firefly: (Frustrated by her teammate!)]

In a nearby star cluster, the Astral Express was heading towards Atuin Pulsar.

On board, March 7th expressed her concern, "Sister Himeko, are you really going to attend this auction alone?"

Welt cautioned, "Based on the information we've gathered, these Fervent Observers aren't as devout as their name suggests. If possible, it's best to avoid getting entangled in such murky affairs."

Himeko nodded, "Don't worry, I'm just temporarily acting as bodyguard for a scientist friend. She has something specific she wants at the auction. Once we secure it, we'll leave immediately."

Pom-Pom raised her round hand and waved, "Passenger Himeko, since you're going solo this time, don't hesitate to ask for help if anything happens, okay?"

Dan Heng added, "If you need assistance, contact us anytime."

Himeko smiled, "Thank you, everyone, for your concern. After a brief rest here, we'll proceed to the Herta space station. While I'm at the auction, please take some well-deserved downtime."

[Firefly: The atmosphere on the Astral Express is so welcoming!]

[Stelle: @Firefly, come join us anytime, you're always welcome!]

Meanwhile, in a secluded area of Atuin Pulsar, Su Qing had just materialized and found himself examining two items in his hands.

In his left hand, he held an exquisitely crafted invitation letter.

In his right hand, he held a cell phone.

[To attend the auction, you now look at the two items in your hands and decide:]

[A. Accept the official invitation.]

[B. Accept the invitation from the person messaging on the cell phone.]

[C. Accept all invitations - I want them all.]

[D. Reject all invitations and seek alternative methods.]