Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

Once the decision was made to depart, both the Trailblazers and the Silvermane Guards acted with swift efficiency.

Leaving the lively festival grounds behind, they drove out into the endless green expanse.

Just months ago, towering mountains had dominated this landscape, but now only flat, sheer cliffs remained—no one could say where the displaced mountains had gone.

This astonishing display of power finally drew some admiration from March 7, though the feeling didn't last long before she dismissed it.

After all, when Venti wasn't "working," he acted more like a carefree loafer, strolling lazily through the streets without a care. And since revealing his identity, he had made no effort to maintain even the illusion of formality.

Perhaps this was why he got along so well with the Trailblazers. He fit in so seamlessly that one could imagine him casually dropping by their train with a smartphone in hand.

As the convoy headed north toward the ancient battlefield, the Silvermane Guards' vehicle encountered a minor technical issue, which gave Welt the perfect opportunity to showcase his skills.

Under his deft repairs and what could only be described as "magical" modifications, the roughly refurbished automaton-based vehicle saw significant performance improvements, even increasing its safety features.

If given enough resources, Welt might well have been capable of handcrafting a giant city-building automaton.

This incident also warmed the previously wary Guards toward the Trailblazers, especially Welt, whom they now regarded with respect.

March 7, however, remained her irreverent, playful self, while Dan Heng's quiet demeanor made him seem like the quintessential "reliable driver"—the perfect candidate for transport work.

As for Venti? He reverted to his bardic roots, strumming his lyre and singing ballads to liven the atmosphere. It was the least he could do to contribute.

---

Eventually, the group arrived at the northern battlefield.

They soon spotted Gepard, who was coordinating the defense with his characteristic resolve.

"Relay the command to all artillery units—hold your positions and provide suppressive fire to support advancing infantry," Gepard barked, his voice sharp and commanding.

His sturdy armor bore the marks of battle, and his unwavering focus snapped everyone out of their earlier lightheartedness.

The Silvermane Guards immediately fell into formation, and even the Trailblazers began to regard Belobog's defenders with newfound respect.

Though the Guards' weapons seemed rudimentary by the Trailblazers' standards, their combat effectiveness and unyielding spirit were undeniable. Every soldier fought with the singular goal of protecting their homeland.

Gepard's leadership ensured this passion was tempered by discipline, allowing his orders to be executed with precision.

"This narrow terrain requires a two-line formation," Gepard instructed, pointing at the map. "Guards in front, archers behind. Prioritize evacuating the injured—no recklessness allowed."

After issuing his commands, his sharp gaze turned to the Trailblazers—and lingered on Venti.

Seeing Venti unharmed and as nonchalant as ever, Gepard's stern demeanor softened ever so slightly.

"…Barbatos," Gepard said, his tone respectful yet weary, "please notify us next time before you leave. Otherwise, we'll have failed the trust placed in us by the Guardian."

Venti smiled warmly and patted Gepard's armored shoulder. "Hehe, this time I just wanted to surprise everyone. Next time, I promise to inform Bronya beforehand."

With a cheerful grin, he added, "Besides, I've brought you the brave and selfless Trailblazers! With their help, I'm sure the Silvermane Guards will quickly restore order here."

"Ah, as expected of you, always thinking ahead."

Though Gepard's expression remained unreadable, the Trailblazers felt a distinct pressure to live up to the glowing praise.

With the addition of the Trailblazers, Gepard could remain at the command post rather than leading the charge himself. Though he preferred being on the front lines, he understood the strategic importance of staying in command.

He quickly outlined the next steps.

"Your task is to advance alongside the infantry, clearing a path through the combat zone. Rendezvous with Officer Seele, neutralize any major threats encountered, and execute the final strike against the enemy leader."

March 7, ever the optimist, gave a confident thumbs-up. "No problem! We've done this kind of thing plenty of times. Those monsters won't know what hit them!"

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you develop a bandit persona?"

"Wait, that came off bandit-like? I was going for epic and inspiring!" March 7 pouted before turning to Dan Heng. "Fine, Mr. Serious, you come up with something better!"

Welt cleared his throat. "March, Dan Heng, as entertaining as this is, could we focus? Gepard hasn't finished explaining the mission yet."

March 7 sheepishly covered her mouth, while Dan Heng crossed his arms and stepped back.

---

As Gepard continued briefing them, the group suddenly noticed a new arrival—a confident woman with a playful air.

It was Serval, Gepard's sister and the owner of the mechanical workshop they had visited earlier.

"Well, well, look who we have here!" Serval greeted with a friendly wave, her gaze landing on March 7.

"Remember me, little cutie?"

"Ah! It's the cool workshop lady! What brings you here?" March 7 beamed.

"Hehe, I'm just filling in. My dear brother dragged me here because they needed extra hands."

All eyes turned to Gepard, who stiffened under the weight of their gazes.

"Wow, you two are so different!" March 7 exclaimed.

Serval chuckled, draping an arm around her brother. "Hey now, little cutie, don't say things like that! You should be a kind and empathetic child."

She gave Gepard a smug look. "Even if you're thinking, 'How did this blockhead end up with such a sophisticated and elegant sister?'—keep it to yourself!"

"…Serval, please stick to comments that match reality," Pela deadpanned, unable to stay silent.

"Ouch! Pela, don't be so harsh!"

"Reality-checking you is practically my job," Pela retorted, adjusting her glasses.

The group's lighthearted banter continued as they prepared for the operation, Serval's lively presence adding an unexpected but welcome energy to the team.

As they delved deeper into the battlefield, the temperature dropped sharply, and a sinister chill settled over them.

This was not Venti's doing. Instead, it was the residual Fragmentum influence—a grim reminder of the Stellaron's lingering effects.

The scars left by the Fragmentum would not heal overnight. Even with the Stellaron removed, it could take years, even decades, for the affected areas to fully stabilize.

Fortunately, with Venti's divine intervention, the process could be expedited, and the Fragmentum rifts would eventually close.

---

Finally, the group reached the heart of the battlefield. The area was desolate, littered with the remains of Fragmentum monsters, their shattered forms marking Seele's path.

The air was frigid, biting with an unnatural intensity.

"…This cold reminds me of how things used to be," Serval mused, her breath visible in the frosty air. "Everywhere outside was like this back then.

"But now everything's changed. Not bad for the so-called 'Rock God,' Barbatos."

Venti winced. "Why do I keep getting these strange titles?"

The group pressed onward, following the traces of Seele's battles. Eventually, they found her, locked in combat with a monstrous foe.

Her movements were swift and elegant, but her opponent countered her every strike, leaving her momentarily trapped in a grueling stalemate.

Amidst the clash, the creature's distorted voice rang out, filled with rage and desperation:

"…Stellaron… promise… Serval… Barbatos—!!"

---

Oh, hey there, Traveler! 🍃 My friend here is the one bringing these stories to you—quite the talent, wouldn't you agree? If anything feels off, just give them a nudge—they're always happy to make things even better.

Now, don't forget to take a moment to rest! Grab a drink (perhaps something as refreshing as Mondstadt's finest), and let the stories whisk you away.

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Here's to more adventures and endless inspiration~ 🎵