The plot continued unfolding.
Upon hearing Kafka claim that the Stellaron explosion had nothing to do with them, March 7th indignantly responded, "Who would believe it's unrelated? There's no such coincidence—just as the Stellaron exploded, you appeared... Moreover, we hardly know each other; why should we care about the Stellaron Hunters' innocence?"
"We should seal the Stellaron and assist the Xianzhou."
"We could earn a favor from the Stellaron Hunters."
"What benefits would this bring us?"
Streamer Little Gui Zi chose the second option.
March 7th's lips pursed defiantly. "No way! I'm not listening to her—surely the Alliance, being so powerful, can't be incapable of handling just one Stellaron! We're the Astral Express Crew, not specialists in sealing Star Cores!"
Kafka responded calmly, "Of course, you have the choice to remain uninvolved. While the Stellaron has not yet contaminated this airspace, initiating a Leap now will allow you to proceed to the next world. However, given time, this stellar route will once again become obstructed."
"I can reveal what lies ahead: if you do not go to [Luofu], the Stellaron will ultimately contaminate the entire Xianzhou, resulting in the loss of approximately half its inhabitants..."
"The fearless Trailblazer and the celestial do-gooder, The Nameless, surely would not stand idly by."
"...And your companion, Blade, won't escape this fate either, correct?" Himeko asked.
"On that matter, I must decline to comment," Kafka replied.
"Here are the coordinates; everything now depends on your decisions.
"Despite our vastly different goals, the orbits of stars will inevitably intersect. Farewell."
With those words, Kafka's figure vanished from view.
Streamer Little Gui Zi sighed, "For some reason... Kafka's image in my mind has transformed from a terrifying extremist at the start to just a villainous woman now..."
"I even find myself not harboring much hostility towards her actions anymore?"
"Oh no! What's happening? Have I unwittingly fallen under Kafka's verbal influence?"
"Streamers, it's not just you; I feel the same way!"
"Himeko and Kafka are both so beautiful, I love them both!"
"Why didn't you say anything to us after boarding?! Kafka, do you not love me anymore?"
"She's the one who woke us up! Can my mom deceive me? Would I be unaware if she meant harm?"
As Kafka read these supportive comments, he was initially taken aback before breaking into a gentle smile.
"This new generation of internet users is truly intriguing."
Throughout the unfolding narrative, Kafka had engaged in every misdeed imaginable.
He infiltrated the space station, implanted the Stellaron within the protagonist's body, and now hijacked the Astral Express's communications...
Kafka expected to see a barrage of condemnations against him, but instead... it was quite the opposite.
Is this the allure of Honkai: Star Rail?
At that moment, March 7th couldn't help but interject, "Hey, hey, hey! That smug look on your face is just despicable!"
"Let me tell you, this represents only a small fraction of opinions."
"Including myself, most people remain objective and rational!"
"I certainly don't believe your one-sided story."
"The Stellaron Hunters must have some sinister plot; otherwise... why would [Feathered Spirit] include such a scene at the start of this storyline?"
"Just wait... Once your misdeeds are exposed to all players, we'll see if there's any place left for you in this galaxy!"
Kafka looked at March 7th, not with anger but rather a hint of admiration.
"Little girl, I like your spirit."
"In other words," Kafka continued, "if future events prove our innocence, you would believe us, correct?"
March 7th placed her hands on her hips. "Hmph, that depends on whether Feathered Spirit has planned such developments."
Suddenly, Dan Heng, who had been silent until now, stood up. With keen eyes fixed on Kafka, he spoke coldly:
"Firstly, even if it was just a Stellaron explosion, while such a disaster could impact the Xianzhou, it wouldn't result in the devastation you described unless additional factors were at play.
"Secondly, regarding the Stellaron Hunter named Blade... I know him well. His resilience is extraordinary; a mere Stellaron explosion couldn't possibly kill him."
"Thus, Kafka, your claims simply do not hold water.
"There must be some other motive behind luring us to Luofu."
Even March 7th couldn't resist wanting to applaud Dan Heng as she witnessed Kafka fall silent.
March 7th placed her hands on her hips and chimed in, "Well said, Dan Heng!"
"Kafka, what explanation do you have now?"
Kafka's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Dan Heng. In a low voice, he murmured, "Is this another alteration due to the game's progression?"
"This time, you weren't supposed to be present..."
"Hold on, what's with all the mumbling?" March 7th interjected. "Don't tell me you're planning to bolt now that your lies have been exposed?"
Kafka stood up, his expression growing more serious.
"Yes, you're right," he conceded. "The Stellaron Hunters indeed had ulterior motives. But because of this game—Honkai: Star Rail—the carefully crafted script has been disrupted."
"This time, I am no longer making a suggestion; it is a request."
"My companion Blade is trapped within Luofu's The Shackling Prison, so I seek your assistance to rescue him."
"Once our mission is accomplished, I will also provide the Stellaron Hunters with their... 'reward' accordingly."
Upon hearing this, subtle expressions crossed everyone's faces.
Only Dan Heng remained unfazed, as he had anticipated this possibility long ago! Kafka's words now confirmed his suspicions.
Indeed, there was no way for Blade to escape on his own.