Trying Not to be Dense and Succeeding! (It's a work in progress)

March 7th POV
I've been checking my phone every 5 minutes for a text that may never come. This was not my original plan for the day. I just wanted to spend time with my new friend, show him how much fun seeing new places can be, and convince him to join the Astral Express. That last one might be a little bit selfish, but I know he'd enjoy being part of the express.

However, that's not what happened.

Sam got put in danger by the Antimatter Legion, all of the space station did. I was a little shocked by whatever he was doing with that pink glow, but it only gave me hope that he'd make an excellent Trailblazer.

Then he got separated from us.

I'd hoped that we'd meet right back up, but that didn't happen.

We met Stelle, who I hope will become my cute little sister! Stelle is adorable, and sweet, but she can be a little . . . odd. Seriously, who just goes around smashing crates and snatching orange crystals mid invasion?!

Either way I worried about Sam the whole time, and despite Dan Heng's cool demeanor, I know she was worried as well. I knew Welt and Himeko would try their best to protect the civilians, but Sam?

He was alone.

That's one of the scariest feelings in the world. Not a cute feeling at all.

But miraculously he was fine, and swooped in like a hero saving the princess. Unfortunately the dragon of the tower was far too powerful this time and Stelle had to use the Stelleron inside her to save the day.

Then he tried to ignore me- ok, I can admit I got caught up in the moment and had forgotten about Stelle for a second there. Letting out a deep sigh as I help move boxes with Dan Heng, she looks over at me.

"Something wrong March?"

"I'm just thinking about Sam."

"Would you like to converse with me about it?" I nod, Dan Heng always has my back. If anything she's kind of like my big sister!

"I'm just worried that Sam won't want to join the Express, this whole thing has probably been really hard for him. After messaging him earlier to get some rest he's been gone for 5 hours."

She nods at my words and sets down the crate in her arms with a small grunt.

"Perhaps he is just getting some rest, however if he truly does not wish to join the crew why should we force him?" I pout at her words.

"If he doesn't want to join then that's that, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop worrying about him! Nor will I stop trying to convince him! I'm sure he'll love the Express!" She softly stares at me as she sits gently on the crate.

"March, I'm quite certain he desires to join us. I have a few doubts about his abilities, but if he joins us, then he's family and I will have no qualms with him." I tilt my head at that.

"Doubt of his abilities? Dan Heng, he fought against the Doomsday Beast and surely plenty of THEIR forces!" Her lips twitch before she goes to speak. Her voice falling to a whisper.

"He healed himself quite drastically during the fight against the Beast. It's . . . possible he was granted power by the Plagues Author." My eyes shoot open in surprise, but I shake my head.

"E-even if that's the case I still trust him." She nods lightly but doesn't give her personal opinion on the matter. Putting my hands on my hips I lean towards her.

"Dan Heng, you don't trust him?"

"He has given me no reason to not trust him."

"Ugh, come on! At least give me a straight answer!" She sends me a coy smile and I realize something.

"You're teasing me aren't you!" A small amount of air leaves her nose, a truly rare sight for Dan Heng.

"If he joins the Express, then that will be that. I will trust him if he chooses to do so." Letting out a relieved sigh I pause, realizing this doesn't solve anything.

"And how do we know if he even-"

"March! Dan Heng!" We both spin to the right in surprise as Sam approaches us with two large bags in hand. A short girl with glasses and casual wear walking next to him.

"This is Isa, a friend of mine." He nods towards the woman now named Isa. A smile on her face as she approaches me to shake my hand.

"March right? I've heard good things. Thank you for assisting in the defense of the station." I take the hand with a smile. It's important to be proud of the cool things you've done!

"Of course! That's what we Nameless do!" She pulls away after a moment and repeats the gesture to Dan Heng who firmly shakes her hand.

"It was something that needed to be done."

"Yet, your group was one of the few who rose to the occasion. The space station extends its thanks." She lets out a small sigh and gives a light tap on Sam's elbow. "Alright, I've got paperwork to fill out, see you next time Sam." The dejection on his face is clear when he looks at her retreating figure, but looking back to me his eyes seem to glow. The happiness on his face at seeing me again is enough to make a cute girl blush.

"March this is for you." From his back he reveals-

"Is that a plush of Madam Herta!" The cry of joy that escapes my mouth is befitting of one such as myself. Especially when I just received another treasured relic for my collection!

(if image not working click link https://i.postimg.cc/J0V9M0tv/Herta-Doll.png)

My face heats up slightly at the plush, it's been forever since I've been given a gift. But then the day gets even better.

"Also got you this so you could use that camera you love so much without having to carry around all those photos. It's super durable and it uses some kind of data bank to help store all the memories you capture with your camera." Then he hands me a pink album with countless spaces for pictures. I had to get one of these and I had planned on getting one during this trip after realizing how badly I'd needed it.

I was already going to get this for myself.

It's not even that expensive.

So why is my vision turning blurry?

"Are you alright-" I give the big idiot a hug. Playing with a girl's heart like this is too much!

"Yes! I'm just really happy!" Ugh, stupid sexy Sam- my face would probably be a tomato if I could see it. Sure he's hot but he's your friend, don't go thinking such traitorous thoughts March! We don't want him to feel weirded out!

"Ahaha! Anyways . . . It's perfect." Yes! Good recovery! His smile however only makes me even more flustered. Dang it, I need to focus! No not on him!

"My camera just randomly prints pictures sometimes so this is actually something I've always wanted. Thank you Sam." I can't help but stare down to the ground as I sway slightly.

"I'm glad you like it March, just consider it a gift for being an amazing friend." For some reason my heart hurts just a little bit at the last word. B-but I love Sam being my friend! Crap, something is wrong. I'll definitely need to ask Himeko about this later.

"Got something for Dan Heng as well." The stoic woman's eyes widen slightly as focus on her to try to distract myself from my embarrassing thoughts.

From the back he pulls a single pen-like object, ok that's kind lame- However Dan Heng's eyes shoot open in surprise at the small object and her lips part slightly.

"How did you afford this?" Sam's lip twitches slightly as Dan Heng's eyes narrow.

"Did you . . . steal this?"

"W-what no! Isa just gave me some money for helping her with her work."

"Some money." I'm starting to get annoyed, I'm definitely missing something here.

"What even is that thing?"

"Well I figured since Dan Heng had that notebook she'd need a pen of equal value. It's a pen that basically never runs out of ink." That's it? Dan Heng's blank stare reveals a bit more as words spill from her mouth.

"It also has the added benefit of its resilience, and is structured to help resist hand cramps during long writing sessions. Something invaluable to an archivist such as myself." Her grateful look tells me more than enough, even if I still don't really get it.

"I'm glad you like it."

"I'm glad you believe my notes to be worthy of such a pen. Last I'd seen they cost about one million credits." O-ONE MILLION? They both turn to me and I realize I'd yelled the words out loud instead of in my head.

AN: That's about 4,000 dollars USD (Author out, back to the story)

"Uh, yeah. I also got Welt, Stelle, and Himeko something. It would feel wrong to leave them out."

"And does everything you give out cost an obscene amount of money? Aren't Herta plush's kind of expensive?" He sweat drops at my question before letting out an awkward laugh. Then a buzz rings from his pocket and he quickly pulls out his phone, proceeding to sideline our current conversation.

Sam POV
Saved by the bell, or perhaps in this case . . . I've been saved by the Stelle.

Messages

Stelle
Galactic Baseballer
>Are you joining the Astral Express?


That's the goal.<​

>I'm joining too.
That's awesome!<​

>Herta wants me to test something in her office. Can we meet up before that?


Of course! I'll run over to the train. I need to give you something anyways.<​

>I love things. What is the thing?


It's a surprise! . . . Though don't try to blame me if you don't like it haha<​

>I'll like it if it's a gift from you.

Closing my phone and putting it back in my pocket I give a quick wave to the pair with a bag filled hand before making my daring escape! Honestly my gift for Stelle feels like a gamble so I'm eager to give it to her as fast as possible rather than delay it. Hopefully her words hold true.

"Welp, looks like I'm needed elsewhere!" March gives me a blank look, her hands on her hips as she stares at me. I only give her an awkward laugh as a response before I collect my thoughts.

"Do the two of you want to come with me? You look like you've been busy."

"I suppose a break would not be out of place." March clutches the Herta doll closer to her chest at Dan Heng's words. Perhaps she's eager to add it to her collection?

"I'm ready for a nap myself, so many boxes . . ." March says the last word in a daze, has she been moving boxes for that long? Either way with that we set off towards the Express.

"I'm going to catch up with Stelle, apparently the boss of the space station wants to borrow her for something."

"Ooh, looks like she's getting involved with one of Madam Herta's experiments then!"

"Are they that notorious?"

"Yep, Madam Herta is a Genius! Anything involving her is bound to be interesting anyways. Hopefully I can get Stelle to snap some pictures for me . . ." Our idle conversation about Herta fades as we approach the space train. Stelle lightly kicks her legs as she sits on a crate while palming an orange-blue crystal.

Her eyes are like stars as she looks down at it, not even noticing our approach.

I knew I recognized these crystals! I'm glad to see my theory was confirmed though, otherwise my gift would be extremely embarrassing.

When I saw the premium currency of that gacha game being sold by a merchant who was desperately trying to get off the station . . . I knew I had to buy it all.

The guy seemed pretty happy that he was able to scam me out of half a million credits, but I got all of his gems or whatever these things are called.

"Stelle, I got you something." She perks up at my voice and the stone disappears in motes of light, seriously I need to get Dan Heng to teach me that.

Pulling the massive chunk of rock out of the bag I don't even get the chance to hand it to her as she snatches it out of my hands. Eyes wide open, and droll nearly coming out of her mouth. Like an alcoholic staring at their last drink.

"Sam. It's perfect." While I have no idea what she's going to do with it, seeing as this world doesn't function on gacha rules. Well, hopefully at least, otherwise I might have to murder a god. That sounds difficult. Either way-

"I'm glad you like it, Stelle. I'll let you know if I see any of those funny rocks around."

"Stellar Jades," Her voice whispers out as she caresses the stellar jade.

"I'll let you know if I see any stellar jades then." She gives a happy nod before storing the crystal away. Then gives me a large hug, before her head weasels under my arm and looks towards March and Dan Heng.

"Hi, March. Hi, Dan Heng."

"You seem to be getting along quite well with Stelle." Dan Heng mutters from behind me.

"Group hug!" March hugs me from behind reminding me of her earlier hug sneak attack. Stelle's head moves away from my arm in order to avoid being annihilated by the mighty March 7th.

Ah, her face is quite close to mine.

It is then I realize I am sandwiched between two cute girls, and it takes all of my will power not to have my thoughts wander in a very different direction from where they were originally going.

"Let the poor man go, it looks like he's losing air."

Ah, Dan Heng truly is an angel!

March peels away, but Stelle clings for a moment longer before begrudgingly backing off.

"I have to go see Herta."

"Alright, I'll see you later Stelle." She mumbles before wandering off, presumably to go see Herta. I've still got gifts for Welt and Himeko, if I can find them. Well, I guess I can just leave the gifts on the Express. Approaching the door I give a respectful knock.

March gives me a weird look as she opens the door, a pink eyebrow raised and expression contorted in confusion.

"You don't need to ask for permission to get on the train, Sam."

"Oh. I'm not part of the crew so I thought I had to ask the conductor to enter." Her face flashes pale for a moment much to my horror. Her body trembling at my words.

"S-sam. You're not joining the Astral Express?"

"What? I want to, but I haven't joined yet!" She lets out a sigh of relief, and brings her hand to her heart.

"You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry, sorry." Despite my words I can't help but unconsciously form a smile on my face at what she says. Grabbing my hand she pulls me onto the Express, the warm atmosphere I strange juxtaposition from the space station still healing from its wounds. After the previous conversation with March it suddenly feels a lot more homely.

"Hey there conductor!" Greeting the small creature with a smile I make my way towards them with ease. Their arms crossed as they hold out their ear appendages to take my bags from me.

"Welcome back Sam."

"I got some gifts for the crew as thanks for saving my life. Don't think I left you out though, there is something in there for you as well." The conductor's eyes widen at my words, as though I'd skip out on a gift just because they aren't human!

"Thank you Sam, I appreciate the consideration." Walking off with the rare and exotic coffee beans for Himeko, expensive art supplies for Welt, and a delicious box of donuts for our conductor. Not really sure what they would like, so I just got them a bunch of different types of donuts.

Maple bars, jelly donuts, crullers, and many other types rest in the sealed box. Praise be to a large amount of money and the Omni-Synthesizer I borrowed from Isa.

Hopefully the donut's don't get snatched by someone else though.

That person might be me if I can not resist their allure after all. Ok, I definitely ate some of the donuts we made, but who can resist a fresh donut made with super awesome space tech!?

Isa, Isa can. But I am weak to the pleasure of the flesh. Such as donuts.

Ok, maybe it's just me who likes donuts.

Anyways, I have literally no idea what to do now.

"So, any plans?"

"I'm gonna take a nap, I'm exhausted and my legs hurt." March walks off with a tired expression and the Herta plush clutched in her arms. I awkwardly stare at Dan Heng who stares back at me before speaking.

"Want to exchange beacon addresses?"

"Works for me, I'm thinking of checking on whatever business Stelle is up to." We exchange numbers, and I hop off the train as Dan Heng stays behind staring at her pen.

I'm happy she's enjoying it, with my smile at the thought I start looking for Stelle. I shoot her a text asking 'How do I find you?' but get no response.

Weird. She's probably just occupied with the experiment.

With a sigh I decide it's time I find Himeko for the true final boss battle of this current adventure. I've been putting it off a little bit, but at March's encouragement I think I'm ready.

I have to convince Himeko to let me join the express.

I want to go on an adventure, this much is true. But having a vague idea of what's going to happen will also make me a valuable asset. Not even considering my freaky powers.

Most gacha games end up involving the fate of the world, or in this case the universe so I wouldn't be surprised if the universe explodes randomly due to the butterfly effect.

Which would suck. A lot.

Hopefully the Express has dental- wait. Do I even need health insurance anymore? I'm in space, plus I can heal myself. Fuck, is somehow living in this fucked up gacha universe still better than Earth?

Considering how crappy things were for me back on Shit Outta Luck Three I guess I can't be too surprised. Still a strange feeling though. Fuck, maybe I should thank the giant freaky Bug.

Nah, fuck that guy. Wait, don't fuck that guy. Ugh. Whatever, I'll think of a better insult next time.

"Hello Sam, you seem to be quite lost at the moment." The sound of a cane clicking on the ground alerts me to Welt's approach as his voice leaves his mouth. Turning towards my senior, I give an awkward smile and wave.

"Hey there Welt, I was just looking for Himeko. I have to ask her something important." He gives a curt nod. His expression serious.

"She should be near the Express at the moment." My lip twitches, I was literally just there. A small smile appears on his face at my misfortune.

"So how are you adapting Sam?" Surprisingly my heart doesn't drop at his question as I truly consider it.

"Well. I'm adapting pretty well actually. Back on Earth life really wasn't that great for me." He silently agrees with a nod.

"But, out here in the wider universe it's just so different. I actually . . . I actually feel like a person I guess. Not just a number who exists to slave away. Like what I'm doing might actually matter to something or someone." He gently puts a hand on my shoulder.

"You aren't a number Sam."

"I know, it's just sometimes it could feel like that back there, I didn't really have any friends I truly felt I could rely on. My relationship with my family was estranged, and I- I didn't even really know what I was doing. I felt so alone." My eyes turn slightly glassy as I speak.

"I was just throwing myself at life in pursuit of an end I knew wouldn't make me happy, even if other people I didn't even care about said it would. I'm happy, and that kind of scares me. I'm happy I'm not there anymore." He gives me a soft stare with slightly raised eyebrows. He mulls it over for a moment before smiling.

"Then I suppose I'm happy you are here now."

"Thanks Welt. It means a lot to hear that . . . Welt, would you consider us friends?" I haven't asked a question like that since I was in elementary school. It's such a basic question that most people don't even bother asking because being friends with someone should be obvious right? My social skills not being the greatest, in combination with being afraid people would say no inevitably made me stop asking that question.

But this man, who has been so kind to me. I can't help but ask, despite how crushing an answer could be. Caring about people can be scary, because what if they reject you?

His grandfatherly smile makes me relax slightly as pats me on the back.

"Of course. Ah, I suppose I should give you my beacon address, I'll give you Himeko's as well." We exchange numbers as he asks a very simple question. The tension still present in my body as I prepare for Himeko, though I'm glad Welt sees me as a friend.

"What were you going to ask Himeko anyways?"

"If I could join the Astral Express crew, don't really want to feel like I'm intruding but-"

"Sam. Everyone would be happy to have you." Eh? Well I can tell March, Dan Heng, Stelle, Welt, Himeko, and Pom-Pom enjoy my company but-

I pause as I realize that's the entire crew.

Ah. I've been stupid haven't I? I've been thinking about this like a job haven't I? Like I've needed to fill out a resume to get hired. But, the Astral Express isn't like that. They aren't a company hiring you for a service, they're a band of heroes sailing across the cosmos and fighting the forces of evil wherever they go.

They don't care about how much value I provide. They just care about me.

"Welt." I turn to the man with a small fire in the back of my eyes.

"I'm joining the Astral Express." Suddenly I feel myself pulled behind my own eyes. I feel another road attempt to weave itself before my internal swarm. They push and pull against each other, but I refuse to allow the Propagation to crush it outright. The silvery strands weave themself against the much larger path I tread. Forming the symbol of a large DNA strand inside what I can only assume is my soul. About 2/3 is a gentle pink that draws power from a deep glow that corrupts its outside. A third being that deeper pink that surrounds me. With the chromic rail like structures running through the symbol, and keeping the shape whole. Keeping it grounded.

Blinking, I turn to Welt who has a slight amusement in his eyes.

Am I an Emanator of Trailblaze now? No. That's ridiculous.

"Congratulations on becoming a Pathstrider of the Trailblaze Sam, and welcome to being one of the Nameless." Pathstrider, the word familiar.

"Pathstrider?"

"To be a Pathstrider is to be someone who identifies with a philosophy, and draws power from it. You seem to have taken your first step on that road young man."

Huh, neat. Was I not a Pathstrider of Propagation or am I just both now? Whatever, I'll figure it out later.

Suddenly my phone buzzes with a text from Stelle, alerting me as I pull out the device.

MessagesStelle
Galactic Baseballer
How do I find you?<​

>Turn around.

Rotating I spot the girl practically zooming up to me with a gleam in her eyes as she clutches my arm.

"Do you have more Stellar Jades?"

"Uh, no?" She looks disappointed, but still holds onto me before looking at Welt. The older man simply smiling at our pairing.

"I'm sure Himeko will be waiting for the two of you. Let's return back to the Express. It's time we plan our departure." I chat with Stelle as we walk, a smile on my face that causes her face to turn slightly red.

"So, what did Herta have you do?"

"I became an Aeon." Nodding at her words and simply choosing not to question them, we continued to walk as she told me about the Simulated Universe. A computer program that uses tons and tons of data to 'Simulate the Universe.' She'd been posing as one of THEM in order to help Herta collect data on reality. Even Welt seemed quite interested at the idea.

At the front of the train stands Himeko, going over a clipboard in her hands. A smile on her face as she hands it to a familiar pink haired woman. I think I saw her before I took Stelle to rest . . .

(if image doesn't work, perhaps the link shall save you https://i.postimg.cc/7hLjs7nz/asta-by-com-v0-mwm0o45ij91b1.webp)
"Thank you for your help Asta."

"How could I not even give you a discount for saving the space station?" The two women talk amicably, a deal seeming to have gone well in favor of the Astral Express.

"No need to be coy, calling it a discount is an understatement." Perhaps very well. Welt speaks first as we approach.

"The Astral Express has gained its newest member." His hand rests on my shoulder as he smiles.

"We're glad to have you. Stelle has already agreed to join earlier after texting a mysterious someone for advice." I can practically hear the smile in her voice. Though, Is that why Stelle asked me if I was joining the Express? Looking towards the girl she smiles as the words that come out her mouth shall haunt me until the end of days.

"Welcome aboard Newbie." No- It can not be! She's going to hold this over me forever!

"A-ah. Stelle, we joined at about the same time didn't we? Still on the station after all."

"I'm your Senior now, just accept it. Resistance is futile after all." With a sigh I give a sad nod. Dang it. Her happy expression at my performative behavior makes me give a small smile back.

She's adorable when she's full of herself.

"Alright you two, come onboard the train. We're going to sleep at night then set off in the morning." I blink in slight shock at her words.

"We're leaving already?" She smiles lightly in response.

"The power of the Trailblaze allows us to easily return to any place we have ventured through as long as we complete our current adventure. Overall you'll find many benefits to being one of the Nameless Sam."

"So like teleportation? Across the Universe? That's kind of crazy." I remember fast travel being a thing in game, but I had no idea it was real. I guess teleporters would make sense in a sci-fi universe.

"To be a Nameless is to be 'kind of crazy', we will face plenty of dangers upon our journeys after all." Himeko's words get a chuckle out of me as I board with Stelle. It could easily be seen as kind of crazy to do something like this.

"Before bed, Pom-Pom has already prepared dinner. Speaking of food, thank you for the gift Sam. I'll use it well." Welt quirks an eyebrow at the final interjection.

"Oh? He got you something Himeko?"

"Don't think he left you out, but yes. I got some new coffee beans to try." The man shudders briefly before nodding.

"I'm sure whatever it is, I'll enjoy it. Thank you Sam."

"Consider it a 'Thank You' for saving my life."

"We would do that again in a heartbeat for nothing, that's just part of being a Nameless. Part of who we are." Stelle looks a little bit curious and my mind flashes back to the desert, but I suppose she should know.

"Got stranded in a desert, and almost died. The Astral Express got to me in time, and now I'm all better." She nods before giving me a hug.

"I'm glad you're all better."

"Me too Stelle. Me too." We make our way to the kitchen and it looks like the whole crew is there. The meal is pleasant as we converse.

"Alright everyone, you can greet the two newest members of the Express." Himeko's words bring different expressions of joy to the seated group. March's exuberance, Dan Heng's small smile, and Pom-Pom's giant grin as the four of us add ourselves to the table. A large Hot pot at the center of the table is accompanied by tons of different meats, and vegetables causing me to instantly start to dig in with my companions.

"I'm so happy the two of you are joining us! I've been waiting for the two of you to say that the Astral Express Family gets a whole lot bigger on this adventure!"

The conversation continues as we chat about everything that's happened, but also just about the things we enjoy.

"I can't draw very well, but I enjoy doodling. Was something to do while bored in class."

"Sam, you went to a proper school then?"

"Nothing crazy, just tried doing some chemistry before inevitably getting stuck in that desert. I'm way happier here though."

"I like playing games on my phone, do you know any good ones?"

"I can show you some fun ones, Stelle, just try not to stay up all night playing them!"

Seeing the group bask in the presence of each other I can't help a genuine smile form on my face. The feeling of family is overwhelming, a feeling I've felt missing for a long time.

This, this is what was missing.

I'm not the type of person who could be happy alone, I need people to care for. I need people to care about me.

Some people might call that weakness, and maybe they're right. But I can't help but disagree with them when I feel the warmth and companionship in the room as we eat together.

. . .

Pushing the door into my room with a smile on my face I throw off my clothes and get ready for a shower. The water is neutral in temperature as always. Alright, I definitely have some temperature resistance, even I can see the steam starting to leak throughout the bathroom.

Maybe that'll be useful later. Stepping out of the shower and drying myself off I go to put on my clothes as I hear the door slide open. A girl staring straight at my naked body.

(click link if the image doesn't work https://i.postimg.cc/SRkyGqdP/stelle-honkai-star-rail-v0-wc329r3795pc1.webp)

Her face suddenly blushes red as she looks in between my legs, my jaw dropping at her just barging into my room. Then she takes a step back and slams the door closed.

"Stelle, why didn't you knock?"

"I thought I could just come in?" Does she think she can just go anywhere that someone forgot to lock?

"Why did you even come into my room anyways?"

"I wanted to spend some time with you before bed . . ." I sigh at her words, I've gotta throw some clothes on.

This is not how I expected my night to go. After throwing on some underwear and a shirt I opened the door and let her in.

"Welcome to my room, It's not anything special. But it's mine." She nods before seemingly looking around the room with narrowed eyes.

"Looking for anything special?"

"Do you have any loot?"

"Stelle, my room doesn't have any 'loot' in it." Her dejected expression softens slightly as she sits on the bed.

"Sam, do you want to play any games with me?" I'm exhausted but can I really refuse her?

"Sure. What do you have?"

After showing me her freshly downloaded games list she seemed to have some kind of Super Smash Bros knock off. We played together for a few hours and she absolutely destroyed me.

Each victory over me she snuggled deeper into me until the point she was sitting on my lap. Called it her 'Victory Tax'.

I wasn't even that bad back home, but she was using some insane techniques against me! At one point she just walked up slowly and down smashed. I was so stunned at the audacity of the move I barely even reacted as I got 3 stocked again.

"Stelle, why are you so good at this?"

"I'm just built different." A light snort leaves my nose, she probably doesn't even know the original meme. Guess it really does just come naturally to her. Her smile at my reaction doesn't make me ignore the dark circles under her eyes though. It's way too late for this, and one of us has to be the responsible adult.

"Come on Stelle, it's time for bed." She pouts before shaking her head. With a sigh I decide to Propagate. Picking her up like a sack of potatoes from the boost, I put her in a princess carry and move her to her room.

She's nearly frozen in grasp, making the process easy for me. Her soft breathe pushing into my chest.

Putting her into her bed and under the covers and tuck her in for the night, and plug her phone into the wall across the room.

Her puppy dog eyes are strong, but my exhaustion is stronger. Though honestly I'm surprised I'm only this tired after doing so much in one day.

"Stelle, get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow." With the words I go to leave before muttering something on my way out. "Good night Stelle." An instinctual, but kind gesture from me to her.

She repeats the gesture, saying something at the end I don't quite catch as she dives under the covers. With a sigh I leave and flop into my own bed, the darkness crashing into me as I prepare for my new adventure.

. . .

The day starts with breakfast as the group prepares to leave. We pack up supplies, and say our farewells. Of course, I go and find Isa. Which is easy with a simple text.

MessagesDr. Isabelle Mavis
Remember to get plenty of rest!
Note: Adorkable Doctor
I'm heading out for a while, I want to see you again before I go.<​

>Do you play with a maiden's heart passively, or is it a choice?


Sorry! I was just speaking the truth!<​

>Passively, got it. I'm actually nearby, just step outside and you should see me.


I'm not doing anything I swear!<​

Heading outside I see her with some guards and give the small girl a big hug, nearly picking her up in the process.

"So, you sure you don't want to stay." With a nod and a heavy heart I sigh.

"To journey among the stars, free and helping others. It's practically a dream come true." She gives an accepting nod, and smiles up at my words.

"Perhaps it's time I start doing a little bit of soul searching as well. Been so wrapped up in work I've forgotten why I even started my medical research in the first place."

"I'm sure you'll find the answer." Her smirk tells me she's already half way done figuring it out, she really is a smart lady.

I say farwells the guards as well, recognizing a few of the lot who'd helped me earlier. Shaking hands with them I bid my goodbyes. It's an odd feeling, seeing different members of the crew say goodbyes to different people. I notice Himeko speaking to that 'Asta' woman. Dan Heng speaking to Arlan. March talks to Peppy with her animal speaking skills, and Stelle is probably still asleep from the long night.

I stand there a moment as March waves me over for a group photo, a groggy Stelle wandering out of the Astral Express.

A final memory of this place.

No, that's not exactly right. The last memory of this current stop.

I'll be back. There's someone waiting for me after all.

"This isn't 'Goodbye' Herta Space Station, It's a 'See you Later'. I feel the next time we return here, we'll have some crazy stories to share."

(if image isn't working https://i.postimg.cc/nhLJzXjM/First-Closed-Beta-Wallpaper.webp)

AN: I am back! We get happy moments this chapter as Sam finally realizes he truly is free from Earth and all of its fucked up problems. That he's found people who he can trust and care about him. More of a feel good chapter than anything crazy, but good moments like this are important considering we are entering the gauntlet that is Belebog/Jarillo VI. Though some changes are going to be made, as the space beacons don't exactly agree with Sam being an Emanator. So his teleportation zone may be a little bit strange! Also . . .with how much money Isa gave Sam, is she his sugar mommy now?

Sam's quest to not be dense has made great steps, to the point he's just going to realize certain people are crushing on him, hard. But his previous loner isolation still needs to get beaten out of him! Perhaps the next adventure can succeed in such a task! (For those curious I will most likely do the first NSFW around the end of the Belebog arc, though I doubt anyone will guess who it will be with! You get a cookie if you guess right! Imaginary cookie though, I am poor.)

In other news: First 6k+ chapter! Wow!

Please leave nice comments and correct spelling/grammar errors as engagement helps push my writing. Though updates may slow for a couple weeks as I'm finishing up finals.