📍 Astral Express Parlor Car

Pom-Pom

Hmm... something seems off. Pom-Pom already selected a route...

Options

Is something wrong?

Pom-Pom

We've seemingly gone off course... Strange, Pom-Pom's navigation is always precise.

Pom-Pom

Stay vigilant! There might be a magnetic field nearby interfering with the Express' navigation system. {NICKNAME}, let's take a look in the control room.

Feel out the mysterious guests

🏃‍♂️

Move

🎬

video

Argenti

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Argenti — I belong to the Knights of Beauty. May I know your names?

Options

(Cautious silence)

I'm Galactic Baseballer.

Did you crash into the train?

March 7th

Cat got your tongue? It's fine, he seems like a good guy. Hi, Argenti! I'm March 7th.

March 7th

...Please don't do this. He seems like a good guy! Hi, Argenti! I'm March 7th.

Argenti

Indeed, and I extend my deepest apologies for doing so. I wish to remedy the situation, hence my arrival on the Astral Express.

March 7th

Now we know he didn't do it on purpose... Hi, Argenti! I'm March 7th.

Argenti

An honor! I was just explaining the significance of "beauty" to this foliage.

Argenti

Pardon my abruptness, but I have a habit of asking questions. As fellow beings of this universe, are you acquainted with Idrila the Beauty?

Options

Idrila?

Wait, aren't you here to help?

Are you saying we're also beautiful?

(Cautious silence)

Argenti

The Knights of Beauty travel from planet to planet, spreading the Beauty's glorious reputation across the universe so that every being may know of THEIR existence. We strictly adhere to the commandments of our faith, tempering our physical forms and upholding our honor.

Argenti

Yes, though not exclusively. Just as I extol the "beauty" in this foliage, what I anticipate is an encounter — a collision and exchange of minds and philosophies.

Argenti

Do you doubt such an assertion? You need not, {NICKNAME}!

Options

...I am kinda good-looking.

You did just compliment a plant...

Argenti

Both my words and actions come from the bottom of my heart. You are indeed beautiful — like flowers blooming in the morning sun!

Argenti

{NICKNAME}, now that you know something of the Beauty, I wonder — can you resonate with this philosophy and place your trust in Idrila?

Options

Sure...

No...

Argenti

You sound confused.

Argenti

{NICKNAME}, with all due respect, I fear you may be still be grappling with this philosophy, yet agreed with me out of kindness... An act of pure beauty in itself!

Argenti

I understand... {NICKNAME}, with all due respect, I believe you refuse to acknowledge the Beauty simply because you lack knowledge on the subject.

Argenti

I cherish different ideas, {NICKNAME}, but judging from this situation...

Argenti

Since you do not understand the Beauty, I will have to show you in a way that only a knight can.

Argenti

I earnestly request a chivalrous contest with you. Should I be fortunate enough to triumph, I ask you to acknowledge Idrila, the Beauty, as the most peerless beauty of all!

Options

Do I have to?

Have you ever seen Idrila in person?

Argenti

No, you do not have to. This is merely an unspoken rule for battles between knights. I apologize. We, the Knights of Beauty, hope to convince people through battle, not poetry...

Argenti

To my lasting sadness, no...

Argenti

It is an unspoken rule of the Knights of Beauty that the commandment is uttered before a battle between knights. I apologize.

Argenti

Forgive me for my lack of eloquence!

⚔️

Combat

Comfort the Knights of Beauty's "sidekick"

Velite

What is it? Here to cheer me up? Save your breath! Your intentions might as well be written on your forehead.

Velite

I'm just a small-time IPC worker — that Argenti rescued me. I don't know anything... and I can't help you guys.

Velite

*sigh* I want to go home and have dinner... once we're out of this jam...

Options

I heard you became a follower of Aeon of Beauty. Is that true?

Velite

Did Argenti tell you that?

Velite

That guy is unbelievable. Before he rescued me, he said something like: "You must pledge to acknowledge Idrila, the Beauty, as the most peerless beauty of all!"

Velite

I told him I'd marry her if he liked, as long as he got me out of that stinking cave first... And he refused! I couldn't believe it!

Velite

My life was on the line, so I just repeated after him: Adrila the Beauty, et cetera... You get the picture.

Velite

Then, he corrected me, "It's Idrila, not Adrila."

Velite

Who came up with such an awkward-sounding name? I'm a pencil pusher, what the heck do I know about the Aeon of Beauty?

Velite

But, of course, I repeated it again in order to survive.

Velite

"Idrila, the Beauty, is the most peerless beauty of them all!"

Velite

Just like that.

Options

Can't you be more positive?

Velite

Tsk, do you think I like being negative? My friend, this is what's known as falling prey to the grim reality of life, understand?

Velite

When I was young, I assumed my life would be like a novel. I wanted to be a pilot, flying through outer space, exploring the universe in a grand spaceship. But then my parents told me I'd have to work for the IPC and make a bunch of money to fulfill my dreams.

Options

Did you manage to make a bunch of money in the end?

Does working for the IPC stop you from pursuing your dreams?

Velite

What do you think? Do rich people make forced vows in caves?

Velite

Enough! This is a painful topic...

Velite

I gave up my unrealistic dream of becoming a pilot and worked for the IPC instead. I guess I'm living the life of a supporting character now.

Velite

But after running into Argenti, I had an idea... Perhaps I could make some money with him and turn my life around!

Velite

He's a tall, handsome, and a knight! Packaged and marketed the right way, I'm sure he'll pique a lot of interest!

Velite

I told him about my idea — that he could advocate for "the Beauty" while also incorporating currency as a notion of beauty. That would allow him to preach more efficiently. He was very impressed.

Velite

I'm planning to contact the Marketing Development Department as soon as I'm off the Express — he'll make a great IPC product spokesperson! And I can be his agent! Now, the question remains — will this guy shine brighter as an image-focused idol, or should we showcase his formidable talents and mold him into a powerful star?

Options

An idol.

A powerful star.

What are you talking about?

Velite

You're right. It'd be a shame to waste such a handsome face. He just screams "idol!"

Velite

You're right. I don't know what his rank among the knights is, but he is quite powerful.

Velite

Hmph, it's called facing reality, embracing it, and then conquering it!

Velite

So, when can I get off the Express? I need you guys to solve this traffic jam problem ASAP!

Options

That's enough of your weird ideas. Come help us.

Come help us... Pretty please?

Velite

Were you even listening to me?

Velite

Don't use that tone! You're trying to guilt-trip me, aren't you?

Velite

*sigh* Alright, I have nowhere else to be. Let's go.

Pom-Pom

Ahhhh!

Velite

Huh? What was that sound? Did someone scream?

Talk to Pom-Pom

🏃‍♂️

Move

Pom-Pom

Th—There was a strange sound — it was terrifying! Did you hear it?

Pom-Pom

Pom-Pom knows the Express inside and out — it definitely wasn't the train!

Himeko

Is it possible that the jolt just now damaged the Express? ...Did something manage to sneak in?

Dan Heng

Do we know where the sound came from?

Pom-Pom

It sounded like it came from the passenger cabins... or the conductor's cabin!

March 7th

...But those are in opposite directions! How about... we go check our own rooms?

Options

I've got a bad feeling about this...

Remember to check under the bed.

March 7th

Hey! D—Don't scare me! I'm sure there's a scientific explanation for this, right?

March 7th

Ugh, read the room! Enough with the mean jokes!

March 7th

Now's a time for action, I'm gonna go check my room. If there's a problem, I'll let you know...

Pom-Pom

March has a point. Pom-Pom will go check the conductor's cabin!

Himeko

What happened?

March 7th

Wh—What was that... Did something happen to Pom-Pom!?

📍 Astral Express Passenger Cabin

Support March 7th

🏃‍♂️

Move

Dan Heng

It's... an "insect"?

Argenti

Ugliness... The inharmonious pitch has surfaced.

Argenti

{NICKNAME}, honor compels us to vanquish this dissonance.

⚔️

Combat

Go back to the Parlor Car

Talk strategy with Welt

📍 Astral Express Parlor Car

March 7th

It's so quiet... Someone say something.

Argenti

After meeting all of you, I, Argenti, can die without regrets.

March 7th

...Never mind. I'm fine with silence.

Welt

How's it going? Has there been any progress?

Dan Heng

Let me explain the situation.

System

Dan Heng tells Welt that he thinks the Express is being swallowed by the Giant Sting.

Welt

I see. If the Express has been swallowed...

Welt

...then perhaps we could try pushing the Express's engine into a temporary state of overload... and use the momentum to burst out of the Giant Sting's body.

Options

Why don't we just warp out of this place?

Dan Heng

Warp jumping requires a lot of preparation, and it might alert the Swarm.

Welt

It would be risky — the engine might overheat and burst into flames... Still, I don't have any better ideas.

Argenti

I am not fond of this idea.

March 7th

C—Could it fail?

Welt

In a word... yes.

Welt

The outer components of the Express... may well be melting in gastric acid as we speak.

Argenti

It would seem our enormous, hideous enemy... is right outside!

March 7th

No... So my teddy bears and bunnies are gonna be liquefied by stomach acid? I've had them for ages... I need to find a way to save them.

Welt

Let's stay calm — I need some time to check the engine with Himeko. For now, just try and take your minds off the situation.

Dan Heng

It's alright. We're in this together.

Argenti

{NICKNAME}, have you noticed?

Argenti

Morale on the Express is low.

Comfort everyone's negative mood

March 7th

The Express is... melting?

Velite

How is this even possible!? I've been swallowed by a "cave" twice now. Is this my destiny?

Pom-Pom

We need to get out of the Sting's stomach as soon as possible! Pom-Pom doesn't want the Express to sustain damage...

March 7th

Everyone, just calm down...

Argenti

Calm yourselves, all of you.

Argenti

I am bidding farewell to this flora. After having made friends with all the beings on the Express, and having discussed "the Beauty" with each of you, I can now depart this mortal coil without regret!

March 7th

Ugh, can you and the fern get a room already? How can anyone establish a bond with a houseplant? ...Although I guess you could say the same about me and my teddy bears...

Pom-Pom

The Express is home to all of us — no matter what happens, we're in this together! Woo-hoo, you're back! Although I guess that doesn't change our odds...

Velite

Who knew our first meeting would be our last... *sigh* It's hopeless. I'll just spend the rest of my short life listening to your ramblings about the Express, I suppose...

Pom-Pom

Nonsense. This won't be our last meeting! But I'm happy the Express has started to grow on you. Now... where should Pom-Pom start the story?

Velite

Gah! Are you really about to tell a story? Look, it's been nice meeting you all and I'd love to shoot the breeze, but are you people really just gonna give up!?

Argenti

Velite, I will escort you to your destination. A knight always keeps his word.

Velite

*sniff* Don't assume you can reassure me that easily. I've got a heart of stone, you hear?

March 7th

Okay, that's enough! In times like this, we should be trying to give each other hope!

Options

You're worried about the Express, just like everyone else, right?

March 7th

N—No! The Express is strong — I'm sure we can think of something!

Talk to Himeko and Dan Heng

Dan Heng

It's rare to see March genuinely worried... but given the circumstances. {NICKNAME}, maybe you could try reassuring some of the crew.

Himeko

The Express has faced all kinds of obstacles on its journey — today is just another one. It's no reason to stop trailblazing.

Himeko

Such is the very essence of trailblazing. It is through these trials that we find wisdom and maturity.

Talk the clues over with Himeko

Dan Heng

This isn't good. Evidence of a Swarm is apparent, and it looks like several eggs are on the verge of hatching...

Himeko

They're embryos for now, but their transformation into larvae could be imminent... and their growth may exceed our initial estimates.

Dan Heng

This is a race against the clock.

Take photos with the camera and find some clues

{NICKNAME}

(Check around the Express...)

March 7th

Why... Why did I see another me?

Find a faster way to search

Velite

Aghh! More eggs! The Stings propagated on the Express! *gasp* Are there eggs in my shoes?

Pom-Pom

*sigh* The clock is ticking. We need to find a more efficient method, and quickly! Let Pom-Pom think... Every one of us should be involved! Velite!

Velite

Ah! What? What am I doing?

Pom-Pom

Use your brain and think of something!

Velite

Uhh, well, a—as a conductor, don't you have any emergency procedures in place!?

Pom-Pom

Oh... Now that you mention it, Pom-Pom does have a backup measure.

Pom-Pom

We'll need... Hmm, this mobile Express cleaner should come in handy! I was planning to use it to sweep the Express's ceiling during spring-cleaning!

Pom-Pom

It's got a nifty wide-angle lens on it. Once we zip it up into the air, we'll have eyes on the whole scene. Not a single nook or cranny will be able to hide from us!

Pom-Pom

I mean, I know this isn't what it's meant for... but we have no other choice.

Pom-Pom

{NICKNAME}, if you think you can do this, I'll start piloting. Watch carefully — I'll be cleaning out the nooks and crannies as we go. Alright! Let's do this. Where do you want to check first?

Options

The car seats.

Under the car seats.

The plant in the corridor.

System

Nothing's wrong with the seats' red leather.

System

You feel the urge to trace your finger along the edge of the seats' depression. No one ever appreciates the weight these seats have to uphold.

Pom-Pom

Stay alert, {NICKNAME}. Now's not the time for relaxing! Let's check somewhere else.

System

You stare at the dark shadow cast by the car seat, imagining an eye staring back.

System

You start to panic and want to get away.

Pom-Pom

Hmm... nothing out of place here!

System

You feel disheartened, until you remember your duty to seek out the Swarm. Time to search in another area.

System

Argenti insists it's a potted plant with the ability to think, prompting you to question —does it really have intellectual capabilities?

System

You struggled to persuade yourself that this is nothing more than a typical potted plant, lacking any unusual traits that set it apart from regular flora...

System

...Yet you can't shake the idea that the soil in the potted plant might actually be scrumptious chocolate powder. Worth sampling the next time around.

Pom-Pom

{NICKNAME}, what are you doing?

Options

The car seats.

Under the car seats.

The plant in the corridor.

System

Nothing's wrong with the seats' red leather.

System

You feel the urge to trace your finger along the edge of the seats' depression. No one ever appreciates the weight these seats have to uphold.

Pom-Pom

Stay alert, {NICKNAME}. Now's not the time for relaxing! Let's check somewhere else.

System

You stare at the dark shadow cast by the car seat, imagining an eye staring back.

System

You start to panic and want to get away.

Pom-Pom

Hmm... nothing out of place here!

System

You feel disheartened, until you remember your duty to seek out the Swarm. Time to search in another area.

System

Argenti insists it's a potted plant with the ability to think, prompting you to question —does it really have intellectual capabilities?

System

You struggled to persuade yourself that this is nothing more than a typical potted plant, lacking any unusual traits that set it apart from regular flora...

System

...Yet you can't shake the idea that the soil in the potted plant might actually be scrumptious chocolate powder. Worth sampling the next time around.

Pom-Pom

{NICKNAME}, what are you doing?

Pom-Pom

Nothing out of the ordinary here. Maybe we should check the far-away cars, what do you think?

Pom-Pom

Stay focused! {NICKNAME}, you need to check every corner.

Velite

Mind if I take it for a spin? This little gadget could be the next big thing in spaceship cleanliness. Even Argenti could put his name to it. I'll jot that down. Let's carry on...

Options

March 7th's Room.

Dan Heng's Room.

System

March's room is pink and bright. Nothing's out of ordinary.

System

You find yourself counting her fluffy animals...

Pom-Pom

You still awake...?

System

A knight and his bug knight. Nothing to see here.

System

Hold on...

Pom-Pom

Nothing out of the ordinary here. Maybe we should check the far-away cars, what do you think?

Pom-Pom

Stay focused! {NICKNAME}, you need to check every corner.

Velite

Mind if I take it for a spin? This little gadget could be the next big thing in spaceship cleanliness. Even Argenti could put his name to it. I'll jot that down. Let's carry on...

Options

March 7th's Room.

Dan Heng's Room.

System

March's room is pink and bright. Nothing's out of ordinary.

System

You find yourself counting her fluffy animals...

Pom-Pom

You still awake...?

System

A knight and his bug knight. Nothing to see here.

System

Hold on...

📍 Astral Express Passenger Cabin

Go support Argenti in the illusion

🏃‍♂️

Move

Argenti

Beautiful beings, are you disciples?

March 7th

He looks beyond saving.

Dan Heng

He could be in considerable danger. Let's proceed.

⚔️

Combat

📍 Astral Express Parlor Car

Welt

I've completed the engine inspection. Though the warp device isn't immediately operational, I believe we can still manage brief spurts of acceleration. Unless there are any major objections, I'll begin preparations.

Argenti

Mr. Yang, one moment, please.

Argenti

I've suddenly happened upon an idea that might just help resolve our crisis. While the Express is being prepared, I would like to speak with {NICKNAME} in private.

March 7th

Seriously? Can't you just tell all of us?

Argenti

Were I to air such a proposition among you, verily, it would be dismissed in an instant. Yet as a knight, it is my duty to aid the Express in resolving this issue.

March 7th

Oh? So you're a mind reader now, too...?

Welt

At this stage, any plan is a plan worth hearing. March — hang fire. Let's see where this leads us.

Argenti

Thank you.

Chat alone with Argenti

Welt

This is really a curveball... you couldn't make it up.

March 7th

So... the train has been swallowed by a giant bug? And we're inside its stomach?

Dan Heng

It's alright. We're in this together.

Himeko

The outer wall of the Express is probably melting in gastric acid. I can't even imagine what it must look like.

➿

Unknown

Options

By yourself?

I knew it...

➿

Unknown

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Unknown

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Unknown

Options

Who is "THEM?"

Idrila?

➿

Unknown

Options

Are they an "Aeon"?

Are they a "hallucination"?

➿

Unknown

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Unknown

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Unknown

Options

Are you fighting to protect "beauty?"

Are you fighting to see "THEM?"

➿

Unknown

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Unknown

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Unknown

Options

What are your plans after that?

Can I do anything to help?

Why did you want to talk to me alone?

➿

Unknown

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Unknown

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Unknown

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Unknown

Options

I support you.

I'm still against it.

➿

Unknown

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Unknown

Options

I don't want you to put your life in danger.

You're just consoling yourself with those "hallucinations".

➿

Unknown

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Unknown

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Unknown

⚔️

Combat

Tell Welt

{NICKNAME}

*sigh*

{NICKNAME}

Let's go talk with the others.

Welt

So, how did your talk with Argenti go, {NICKNAME}?

Options

He wants to fight the Giant Sting by himself.

Welt

I see... Based on our dealings with him so far, I can't say I'm overly surprised. Sounds like the kind of plan a younger me might have come up with... but that doesn't mean I approve of it. How do you see things, {NICKNAME}?

Options

I agree with Argenti.

I don't understand Argenti.

Welt

...I suppose it all depends on how you see his understanding of and devotion to the Beauty.

Welt

{NICKNAME}, if you're certain, I trust your judgment.

Welt

...I suppose it all depends on whether you support his understanding of and devotion to the Beauty.

Welt

{NICKNAME}, we can't change what other people long for.

Velite

*yawn* I took a nap just now and dreamt there was another me piloting Argenti's One and Only...

Velite

What's wrong with me? I never dream. After stealing Argenti's spaceship, I said to myself: "Go find Argenti."

Velite

I—I'm not the type to start caring about people I've only just met, but the dream made me feel a little uneasy... So, what on earth is Argenti up to, anyway?

Options

He wants to fight the Giant Sting by himself.

Velite

Ha!? Wh—What!? He wants to fight that huge bug on his own?

Velite

So all that talk of "departing the mortal coil" and "bidding farewell to a plant" — that was all serious!? You refused him, right?

Options

He insisted.

Are you worried about him?

Velite

That's a suicide mission! And for what? D—Don't get me wrong, I don't really care... But if he dies, how am I going to turn my life around? ...Alright, fine, I care about him.

Velite

Nonsense. Me? Care about him? Impossible. But if he dies, how am I going to turn my life around? I don't understand why he'd choose to die when he could live. Why is he so stubborn? ...Alright, fine, I care about him.

Velite

Why is he so difficult!? Are his beliefs more important than his life? No way, I've got to talk some sense into him!

Help Velite stop Argenti

Argenti

After jumping from the Express, I shall pierce the wall of the Giant Sting's stomach. It should then violently convulse so the Express can escape the confines of its body.

Argenti

Velite, have you something to say?

Velite

...I—It's reckless to put yourself in danger! Do you really have to fulfill your knightly duty? Isn't there another way? I just don't get it.

Argenti

You, too, are worried for my safety? You may not have realized, but you have a unique and noble soul. I hope I can keep my promise to escort you to your destination.

Velite

You...

Velite

Wh—What the heck. Fine, I can be brave too y'know. If you insist on doing this, then... I'm coming with you!

Velite

If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be alive right now. I may not be as strong as you, but I'll do whatever I can.

Argenti

I appreciate that, but it would be best for you to remain on the Express.

Velite

I... You... Hmph... You're impossible. Fine...

Velite

It suddenly struck me that if it weren't for this accident, we would never have met, let alone become friends. My life is a third-rate fiction next to your heroic saga, but at least they coincided...

Velite

So you still want to do it? Are we going to say goodbye here? Then...

Velite

Don't die! I'll be waiting for you! After we fix this mess, you've got some spokesperson duties at my company to attend to! Just make sure you come back in one piece...