Honkai: Star Rail – Banner Character, Delivering Knives to the Player [19]

Sampo: “You three look unfamiliar. And judging by the fact that you just fell out of the sky… are you by any chance from another world?”

March 7th: “Yes, we’re Nameless from the Astral Express. We’re here to find—”

Before she could finish, Lingzhou casually stepped forward and cut her off.

Lingzhou: “We’ve come to explore new business channels and seek reliable local partners.”

March blinked in surprise.

But a split second later, her instincts kicked in. She subtly moved behind Lingzhou, half-hiding her face as she adjusted her expression.

Nameless usually didn’t conceal their purpose. Their conduct was open and forthright.

Unless—

They suspected someone wasn’t being honest.

Lingzhou: “Of course, you always have to be careful when doing business out in the wild. I may have come on a little strong just now, not knowing your background. Hope you won’t take offense.”

He smiled warmly, stepping forward to shake Sampo’s hand.

Sampo returned the gesture, smiling just as brightly.

Sampo: “Totally understandable. Name’s Sampo Koski. And you three?”

Lingzhou: “Lingzhou.”

March 7th: “I’m March 7th!”

Stelle: “Stelle.”

Sampo’s eyes flicked between them, a glint of calculation flashing briefly before he broke into a cheerful grin.

Sampo: “So, Brother Lingzhou—what kind of business are you in, exactly?”

Lingzhou’s smile didn’t waver.

Lingzhou: “We sell Nameless-branded apparel and beverages—full range of styles and flavors guaranteed to help you become the snazziest guy in the galaxy.”

“Our drinks include fresh juices and craft brews, each with unforgettable flavor.”

That was it—players nearly lost it.

You came here for that?

You’re looking for a Stellaron, not running a pop-up store!

Ah Xian burst out laughing.

From the beta storyline, she knew Sampo had his own reasons for approaching the Express crew.

Back then—er, back on the Dan Heng route—he’d gotten stabbed and still found time to flirt and fib his way through it all.

But in Lingzhou’s route?

The tables had turned. Sampo was the one getting played.

She was getting more and more curious about how this version would unfold.

Sampo: “What a coincidence! Yours truly just so happens to dabble in such trades. Might you have some samples on hand, Brother Lingzhou? Give old Sampo a taste of the goods?”

Behind Lingzhou, March and Stelle exchanged a worried glance.

Oh no. He’s gonna blow our cover.

They weren’t merchants. They weren’t even pretending well.

The so-called "products"? At best, a few spare changes of clothes, nothing with tags, definitely nothing that screamed “brand.”

And drinks? They barely had hydration packs!

Lingzhou: “Of course. Please, Brother Sampo—have a look.”

With a flourish, Lingzhou pulled out several full outfits from his inventory.

March was floored.

Okay, I was wrong. Old guys really do play the long game.

Doctor or not, he’d come fully prepared—true risk mitigation.

Then she looked closer.

And nearly choked.

Every outfit he pulled out… was women’s clothing.

Dude. You’re a grown man. Why do you have women’s outfits in your inventory?

Were they for Himeko?

Or worse… for herself?

Stelle?

No—those were silk-thin negligees. Practically translucent.

What kind of person gifts something that daring to a woman so casually?

(Not that the players could see it. The 12+ age rating still meant something.)

Sampo: “Now this is quality! If marketed right, and paired with the right sales channels—Sampo guarantees this’ll become a fashion frenzy in Belobog!”

Lingzhou: “If you’re interested, perhaps we could find a nice place to sit down and discuss a formal partnership?”

He pulled out a bottle with proper commercial branding and offered it with a smile.

Lingzhou: “We’re new in town. Consider this bottle of 300-year reserve my gift to you.”

Sampo’s eyes lit up as he grabbed it.

Sampo: “Say no more. I love mutually beneficial relationships…”

Stelle, March, and even the players watching all felt a strange kind of whiplash.

What... is happening?

The next scene answered that.

???: “Suspects located! Move in for immediate arrest!”

Sampo: “Oh no, the law’s here! Old Sampo’s gotta go—fate willing, we’ll meet again!”

His voice faded quickly as he bolted. When March looked up again, his figure had already become a tiny black dot in the distance.

March 7th: “I knew that guy was shady!”

A squad of uniformed soldiers rushed in and surrounded the trio, weapons raised.

March 7th: “Oh come on—are we seriously getting mistaken for criminals again?”

Stelle (deadpan): “Again?”

Just one word.

But the delivery—so dry, so done—got players cracking up.

It hit.

The boomerang of karma returned fast and hard.

March 7th: “Now’s not the time for commentary! That jerk even made off with all the stuff Lingzhou pulled out!”

[“Smooth start.” “Everything will go great.”]
[Getting wanted by local law enforcement: a classic miHoYo starter pack.]
[Nameless becoming fugitives again? Standard. No worries. Just sit down.]

Stelle: “So, Lingzhou—fight or flee?”

Lingzhou (serene): “No need to panic. Just stand still for a few more seconds.”

March 7th (alarmed): “They’re closing in!”

Soldier: “Suspects! Drop your weapons and surrender!”

Weapons raised, the soldiers drew closer.

March instinctively summoned her bow.

She was just about to draw the string when—

A cold, commanding voice rang out:

“Stand down.”

The soldiers froze and parted to form a path.

A tall blond soldier stepped forward, dragging a massive black case behind him. His gaze swept over the three of them before pausing on their shuttle.

His eyes glinted with surprise.

??? “Historians have told tales—long ago, visitors from beyond the sky would sometimes arrive here. But after the Eternal Freeze began, no one ever came through the snow again…”

Soldier: “Sir, are you saying these three are from beyond the sky?”

① “That’s right—we’re aliens!”
② “Impressive eye, sir. We hope you’ll judge fairly.”
③ “We’re here to discuss a business deal.”

Ah Xian chose the silliest option—#1.

??? “That machine behind you certainly doesn’t look like anything from Belobog.”

“I’m Gepard, captain of the Silvermane Guards. If you truly are outsiders… prove it.”

① “March, show him that selfie from space.”
② “Lingzhou, spread your wings and give them a demonstration.”
③ “My bat is trembling. Let’s duel!”

“No hesitation here—I have to pick Lingzhou!”

Stelle: “Lingzhou, you’re the only one here who can show them something truly… otherworldly.”

Lingzhou (fond smile): “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Awwww, that tone! He totally has a soft spot for her! I love him so much!” Ah Xian squealed.

A sudden gust of wind swept past, stirring frost and snow into the air.

Gepard’s expression shifted instantly. He looked up, eyes widening.

He saw—

A man descending slowly from the sky.

Two massive wings spread wide behind him.

A person—and he could fly.

---

This is a fan translation of 崩铁：卡池角色，给玩家发刀 by 三十度幻. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!