HSR: Getting Chased! [22]

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"This photo is of our planet…"

Bronya remained silent, staring at the white planet in the picture.

"We are not from this world; we are nameless passengers aboard the Astral Express…"

Cava paused for a moment as he noticed the flicker of surprise on Bronya's face, then continued.

"A thousand years ago, we opened the star rail for your people, for this planet we call Jarilo-VI. With the connection of the star rail, this place became a destination sought after by all.

And today, a thousand years later, we have returned to this land once again. Our mission is to rid you of the scourge of the eternal freeze and the ravages of the Fragmentum. Our purpose is to bring life back to this world."

Cava crossed his hands, his expression serious as he looked at Bronya, who was deep in thought.

"I know you have many doubts and questions, but I can assure you that the source of Jarilo-VI's tragedy lies in an object called the Stellaron. It is the Stellaron that brought the eternal freeze and the Fragmentum. It's the Stellaron that has gradually shrunk your living space. If you want to solve the crisis of the eternal freeze and the Fragmentum, the Stellaron must be reclaimed!"

As the heir to the Supreme Guardian, Bronya had grown up well-versed in the history of her planet. She knew how prosperous Jarilo-VI had been a thousand years ago, which gave Cava the confidence to reveal the truth so openly.

His words reignited a glimmer of hope in Bronya's heart, which had been overshadowed by despair.

"We must go. I need to take you to see the Supreme Guardian."

Bronya's eyes were filled with resolve.

"Lieutenant, hold the line with the remaining Silvermane Guards until we return!"

Bronya gave a strict order to the officer in the tent, then turned to Cava and his companions.

The fate of Belobog might rest in the hands of these four strangers.

"Yes, Lady Bronya! We Silvermane Guards will defend this position!"

The officer saluted her, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Thank you. I leave Belobog's fate in your hands," Bronya said, addressing Cava's team.

If this had been seven days ago, she would have still had doubts, still defended the authority of the Supreme Guardian, still abided by the formalities. After all, these four people were strangers she had just met. She knew nothing about them, and if not for the fact that they had saved the lives of the Silvermane Guards, she wouldn't have invited them to the camp at all.

But now, after witnessing the brutal battlefield, how could she continue to unconditionally trust the person she once called "Mother"?

Her actions were pushing Belobog to the brink of destruction.

It was time to make a choice.

To choose the possibility of "survival"…

Or the certainty of "destruction."

...

Reality

When players finally followed the "secret passage" into the outskirts of the Frontline Road, the once lighthearted atmosphere disappeared in an instant.

The more observant players began to sense that something was off.

As the main party pressed forward, the ruined buildings, terrifying monsters, scattered bones, and Fragmentum corruption painted a bleak battlefield.

But this wasn’t the biggest issue. The players barely encountered any elite monsters. The journey was mostly filled with small fry, and the repetitive battles started to wear on them. Many felt frustrated, wanting to move on from what felt like unnecessary combat.

Then, just as boredom set in, March 7th made a discovery that sent a jolt through the players.

Finally, no more grinding! Time for some real story!

Many players thought so.

But what happened next took them completely by surprise.

Corpses lay everywhere—Fragmentum creatures, robots, and many Silvermane Guards…

A cinematic took control of the players' view, placing them in the perspective of a Silvermane Guard, showing them firsthand the brutality of the war.

Waves of monsters, fallen comrades… and then, Cava appeared, saving the player's life.

"You alright?" Cava asked gently.

【"Dad!!! You saved me!!!"】

【"What the hell! You monsters dare to bully my Silvermane brothers? Watch as General Dan Heng wipes you all out!"】

【"Wow… the story’s completely different from the beta, but it's so intense!"】

In the cinematic, Dan Heng unleashed his full power, March 7th and Stelle offered support, and Cava healed the wounded.

The animation cut between scenes, showcasing each character’s strengths in full.

Dan Heng’s spear techniques were flawless, March 7th’s arrows hit their marks, Stelle’s strikes were powerful and steady, and Cava’s medical prowess was beyond compare, easily healing every injured Silvermane Guard.

In no time, the remaining ten or so soldiers were back on their feet, showcasing just how effective Cava’s healing was.

【"Dan Heng looks so cool! Cold-faced dragon prince!"】

【"My March 7th is equally amazing! Cold-faced pink dragon!"】

【"Well then, I must be the cold-faced gray dragon!"】

【"??? Where does that leave Cava? Cava must be the cold-faced… little healing dragon?"】

【"Pfft, hahaha! Cold-faced little healing dragon, really?"】

【"Cava: ‘You better not sleep too deeply tonight.’"】

【"Aren't the Silvermane Guards kind of pitiful? They're fighting so many Fragmentum creatures."】

【"Show some respect! These people are noble."】

【"Haha, it’s just a game, don't take it so seriously!"】

The cinematic culminated in a memorable moment where Dan Heng single-handedly drove back the seemingly endless tide of Fragmentum monsters. The camera zoomed in on Dan Heng’s face, showing his furrowed brows and the hint of confusion in his eyes, leaving players with plenty to speculate.

【"Hahaha! I have General Dan Heng! He can hold off a thousand troops on his own!"】

【"Something’s off, though. Did Dan Heng have some sort of royal aura that scared them off?"】

【"Come on, that’s obviously not it. Didn’t you notice the confusion in Dan Heng’s eyes? There’s definitely more to this!"】

【"Ugh, miHoYo! Always sneaking in hidden details!"】

After the cutscene, players continued following the main quest, heading towards a familiar face waiting for them ahead.

【"It's Big Sis Bronya!"】

【"Wait, not Gepard?"】

【"Gepard’s guarding the gate. We came through the ‘secret passage,’ so of course, we’re meeting Bronya first!"】

【"But why does Bronya look so… off?"】