Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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After pausing her game, Silver Wolf issued a hacking challenge to Su Qing.

For Su Qing, it felt like only a short while had passed since their last encounter.

But for Silver Wolf, several years had gone by.

With her exceptional talent and experience gained from interacting with members of the Genius Society, her skills had significantly improved.

And so, the final outcome was...

"I won!"

Silver Wolf was ecstatic; she had competed against Su Qing over a thousand times, and this marked her first victory. Against such odds, it could be considered nothing short of miraculous!

Seizing this golden opportunity, Silver Wolf decided to employ the same tactic once again.

Capitalizing on her hard-earned win, she used the pretext of victory to propose starting a relationship anew.

[Silver Wolf: Yes! It's unfolding just as I scripted initially. Now, Su Qing will...]

"Huh?" Su Qing paused, puzzled. "What connection does winning against me have with wanting to start a relationship?"

[Sparkle (bursting out laughing): Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!]

[Sparkle: And what happens next, @Silver Wolf? Speak up!]

[Silver Wolf: ...He'll secretly desire it but awkwardly reject me on the surface.]

[Qingque: Hahahaha, dying of laughter!]

[Seele: ? Silver Wolf's stubbornness never fails to provide ample entertainment.]

[Bronya: Ultimately, this strategy doesn't make sense. Winning means we should date? What logic is that?!]

[Sparkle: Fun fact time! Guess who this applies to, here's a hint:]

[Sparkle: ??]

[Stelle (eagerly): Silver Wolf!]

[Firefly (cheerfully): Silver Wolf!]

[Qingque: Although it sounds impolite to say, who else could it be but Silver Wolf?]

[Sparkle: Everyone truly showed their skills today. (Except for Silver Wolf)]

[Sparkle: Absolutely impressive performances. (Except for Silver Wolf)]

[Sparkle: Let's see what unfolds next. (Except for Silver Wolf)]

[Stelle: Disperse already.]

[Stelle: If this were a novel, someone else's defeat would at least fill an entire chapter. But Silver Wolf's failure can be summed up in just a few lines.]

[Silver Wolf: ...Hmph, you'll regret underestimating me.]

[Sparkle: Oh no, I'm so scared~]

***

The following night, which marked the sixth day.

Kafka spontaneously made a request.

For the first time in a while, Su Qing helped her comb her hair.

After taking a bath, Kafka wore a long-sleeved white shirt and shorts. As she sat on a chair, her graceful curves were accentuated, with glimpses of her thighs visible beneath the fabric.

Su Qing gently gathered her loose purple locks, feeling their smooth texture as he combed through them delicately.

Whether intentional or not, Kafka had left the top two buttons of her shirt unfastened.

Through the loose collar, glimpses of her full and pale curves were visible, their rounded contours hinting at depths unfathomable.

[Silver Wolf: Using this trick again, huh? @Kafka, you're too underhanded!]

[Stelle: Can Silver Wolf even pull that off?]

[Silver Wolf: It's not that I can't, but rather that I don't want to.?]

[Qingque: Great news! Our Quantum Department now has a big sister too!]

Focused on combing her hair, Su Qing gently smoothed it out.

"Done." He set down the comb.

"Thank you." Kafka leaned back in the chair, tilting her head up to look at him. This movement accentuated her figure even more.

"Well then, I'll be leaving now. Get some rest."

Su Qing started to depart, reaching the door when Kafka called out to stop him.

As he turned around, she took his right hand with her left and forcefully pulled, swiftly turning him towards her.

Then, placing her right hand on his chest, she pushed forward, drawing herself closer.

In an instant, caught slightly off guard, the viewers watched as Kafka pressed Su Qing against the wall.

[Seele: Wow! Smooth combo move!]

[Qingque: Is it about to start? Is it about to start?]

[Himeko: ?@Kafka, stop it immediately!!!]

[Kafka: ?@Himeko, nope.]

[Sparkle: Enjoying this.]

As Kafka pressed close to Su Qing, she whispered gently and sweetly into his ear, "Su Qing, listen to me, hold onto me."

Su Qing's expression was somewhat conflicted.

He wasn't sure what Kafka intended to do.

But giving her a hug didn't seem particularly significant.

With minimal resistance, influenced by the Word Spirit Technique, his left hand naturally rested on Kafka's slender waist, while his right arm wrapped around her back.

Instantaneously, their positions became quite intimate.

[March 7th: Aaaah! So torn!!]

[March 7th: Should I ship them or worry about Sister Himeko?!]

[Stelle: @March 7th, as Galaxy Baseball Hero, I command you—release your inhibitions! Don't overthink; follow your heart's desires!]

[March 7th: ???]

[Seele: Ha ha ha, can't resist shipping them, huh?]

[Himeko: ...@Kafka, are you truly planning to use the Word Spirit Technique for such matters?]

[Kafka: There's a saying, 'done is done'.]

[Himeko: You're still trying to cook this meal!?]

[Stelle: Now you've made me hungry.]

[Qingque: Seriously, @Stelle, try being more serious.]

Before Kafka began her attempt, she pondered extensively.

However, once she started, her actions were resolute and unwavering.

As Su Qing embraced her, Kafka continued in her soothing, gentle voice, "Su Qing, listen to me, kiss me."

[Bronya: She's going all out!]

[Qingque: Once she decides to make her move, she doesn't hold back!!]

This time, Su Qing clearly showed resistance.

Even after hearing the Word Spirit Technique, he remained motionless for several seconds.

Just as everyone thought the technique had failed, he slowly lowered his head.

Kafka instantly felt nervous.

Although she believed she was mentally prepared, the intensity of emotions and anticipation when the moment arrived surpassed her imagination.

Her gaze flickered, focusing on Su Qing's throat.

Like an irresistible signal, her heartbeat accelerated rapidly, causing her chest to rise and fall with each breath.

Kafka prepared to tilt her head slightly, responding affirmatively.

However, Su Qing did lean down but not fully; he stopped halfway.

His lips gently touched Kafka's forehead for a moment.

"...Is that enough?" Su Qing's tone was uncharacteristically subdued.

Under normal circumstances, Kafka would have easily detected the emotion behind his words. But even the calmest and most composed person, at a moment like this, inevitably shifts their focus elsewhere.

If they paused now, it could still be reined in. A brief explanation or two, and Su Qing wouldn't blame me...

No, there's no turning back now.

Kafka effortlessly dismissed the possibility of stopping.

Her heart raced, and her body felt restless.

She dared not imagine, couldn't fathom, how it would feel if Su Qing truly kissed her—the immense happiness it might bring.

Taking a deep breath, she decided there was no going back now, having already come so far.

Thus, Kafka's next words were: "Su Qing, listen to me, kiss my lips."

This Word Spirit incantation left no room for ambiguity.

[Himeko: !!!]

[Himeko: Kafka!?!?!]

[Kafka: Don't shout, be quiet, it's a crucial moment.]

[Firefly: ????? (can't remain calm to watch anymore)]

[Silver Wolf: ???]

[Sparkle: ?? I absolutely love these kinds of scenes.]

[Sparkle: Especially seeing them flustered, it's simply delicious. ?]

Su Qing continued, lowering his head, turning slightly towards Kafka's face.

Their noses gently touched.

Kafka's Word Spirit Technique was remarkably potent.

As Su Qing subtly tightened his grip on her arm, he was actually resisting the technique. Immersed in anticipation, Kafka mistook this for a prelude to a kiss.

She closed her eyes, but instead of feeling the expected touch, she heard:

Su Qing: "...Don't do this."

Kafka opened her eyes.

At such close proximity, she could clearly see the expression in Su Qing's gaze.

Surprise, helplessness, confusion, and resistance—all complex emotions intertwined.

What struck Kafka's heart most profoundly was the disappointment within those eyes.

Su Qing indeed had a doting attitude towards Kafka, willing to indulge her whims. However, this affection was subtly rooted in his perception of her as somewhat akin to a "daughter."

During their time as demon hunters, Su Qing gradually helped young Kafka emerge from her closed and hollow inner world, witnessing her growth firsthand.

He deeply cherished the shared experiences with Kafka, forged through mutual companionship amidst hardships.

This is why, when faced with a choice between two, he selected Kafka.

Love is undoubtedly precious, but for Su Qing, Kafka held a uniquely special place in his heart, irreplaceable.

However, now...

The first request seemed normal, and the second could be vaguely justified. But the third demand could no longer be explained away.

Thus, Su Qing felt somewhat disappointed.

Perhaps this disappointment wasn't directly aimed at Kafka herself, but rather, it stemmed from the relationship not unfolding as he had anticipated.

On the other side,

Meeting Su Qing's gaze, Kafka's beautiful purple eyes widened instantly. In that moment, numerous memories flooded her mind - from their first encounter amid burning streets to their final parting after defeating the Star Core Demon.

Regardless of what she did, Su Qing never once blamed her.

It wasn't occasional or rare; it had never happened before.

Only now.

Only at this moment...

Kafka saw the disappointment in Su Qing's eyes, clearly expressing his profound letdown with her actions.

Her desire instantly cooled, replaced by a surge of panic.

"Sorry..." Kafka's voice trembled as she deactivated the Word Spirit Technique and took a step back.

Despite her mature and alluring appearance, she felt like a frightened young girl who had done something wrong.

What was she afraid of?

Partly, it was the fear of disappointing Su Qing. But more significantly, she feared that after enduring separation and longing, their reunion might be jeopardized if he were to abandon her due to such disappointment.

[March 7th: ...]

[March 7th: Hmmmhmmhmm, AAAAAHHH!!!!]

[Stelle: March 7th has gone insane.]

[March 7th: No way! This complex web of emotions, this entangled romance! Especially how Kafka, despite being so mature, instantly reverts to feeling like a vulnerable young girl just from meeting Su Qing's gaze—it's absolutely captivating!!!???]

[Stelle: ...Alright, it seems March 7th truly is unhinged. Let's give her some time to calm down.]

[Seele: I didn't fully understand, but based on March 7th's reaction, I can tell the situation is intense.]

[Qingque: @Kafka, don't back down now! You were just about to secure victory!]

[Qingque: Kafka is clearly so capable, but why does it feel like she hasn't made any progress when facing Su Qing?!]

[Bronya: True, it's reminiscent of the simulation.]

[Firefly: (Finally can relax and enjoy the drama again)]

[Silver Wolf: Disappointing! Where's that bad girl we know? Is this how you've learned to be rebellious?]

[Silver Wolf: Being so obedient is embarrassing! Get out of the Stellaron Hunters!]

[Kafka: ...I just...didn't want to disappoint him.]

[Natasha: Those words do resonate somewhat.]

[Natasha: I understand your feelings; having experienced loss once makes one particularly sensitive to such situations.]

[Natasha: However...]

[Qingque: However, being overly compliant isn't good either, seriously!!!]

[Natasha: +1]

[Fu Xuan: +2]

Many echoed their agreement with additional "+n" replies, but Himeko had a different perspective.

[Himeko: Actually, there's nothing wrong with it. The fact that Kafka stopped due to Su Qing's potential disappointment raises my opinion of her.]

[Kafka: ...What use is that if others still think poorly of me?]

The atmosphere suddenly felt strange.

Su Qing straightened up from his leaning position against the wall.

He observed the scene before him—Kafka with her head bowed, looking like someone who knew she had done wrong and awaited reprimand.

After a long moment, he sighed softly.

Su Qing reached out gently, placing his hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. You might be tired; why don't you take today off to rest?"

[Sparkle]: Aww, Su Qing is all paternal concern. He just couldn't bring himself to scold her, huh?

[Fu Xuan]: After all, he raised her personally.

[Silver Wolf]: ? She really needed a proper lesson. Started something bad but didn't even have the guts to finish it. Truly stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Kafka lifted her head, eyes slightly misty.

For such a beautiful and mature woman, the contrast of tears welling up made her vulnerability strikingly poignant, eliciting immense sympathy.

Especially for Su Qing, the effect was overwhelming.

Su Qing sighed once more, feeling both helpless and somewhat softened by her remorse.

Stepping closer, he gently patted her back. "...Alright, alright, I'm not blaming you, relax."

Kafka buried her face against his shoulder, murmuring repeated apologies in a low voice.

[Himeko: ...]

[Sushang: Shouldn't Himeko be happy seeing Kafka fail?]

[Himeko: I don't feel any happiness at all.]

[Himeko: It just feels...like losing once again.]

[When Himeko wasn't chosen during the two-way decision, she also felt deeply distressed and anxious. However, Su Qing didn't embrace her with such tenderness to offer comfort.]

[In fact, her reaction at that time wasn't as intense as Kafka's; it took only one glance for her nearly to break down in tears.]

[Wait...we're all grown women here.]

[Regardless of what you say, you're a renowned Stellaron Hunter, feared across the universe. Can a single disappointed look from Su Qing truly shatter your defenses?]

[Himeko seems to feel defeated in this aspect too.]

[Is 6 > 1?]

[The significance of this inequality might be even greater than Himeko imagined.]

[Bronya: If we say Himeko lost to Kafka...]

[Bronya: Then Kafka lost to herself, due to her feelings for Su Qing.]

[Bronya: So, what about Silver Wolf? Who did she lose to?]

[Herta: Everything.]

[Silver Wolf: ???]

[Seele: Six!]

[Stelle: The strengths and weaknesses of our contestants are now quite clear.]

[Stelle: Let me dream up some formidable heroes.]

[Stelle: Version T0, Unstoppable Himeko.]

[Stelle: As Su Qing's girlfriend, Sister Himeko naturally had an advantage and dominated throughout. Unless she makes a critical error, she is virtually invincible.]

[Seele: Too bad, from Tian Hu to utter collapse—Himeko knows how to crumble.]

[Stelle: Version T0, Disobedient Kafka.]

[Stelle: With her intricate strategies and strong offensive capabilities, coupled with mastery of the Word Spirit Technique, she could have easily reversed the situation and sprinted straight to victory. Alas, she was far too obedient.]

[Qingque: Now that's a dutiful daughter.]

[Stelle: Version T0, Unyielding Silver Wolf.]

[Qingque: ??? Are you dreaming? At least make it plausible!]

[Qingque: "Unyielding," "Silver Wolf"—why put two contradictory terms together?]

[Seele: Unyielding Silver Wolf? No way, at least wait for another ten years!]

[Stelle: Fear not. Once the chicken pecks through its grain, fire melts the chains, and little Silver Wolf becomes big Silver Wolf, she won't be unyielding anymore!]

[Silver Wolf: ...Speechless. Have you guys turned mocking me into a comedy routine now?]

[Firefly: (seizing the opportunity to speak) (raises hand) And-and what about me?]

[Stelle: Let me think.]

[Stelle: Currently, it seems only t10086 exists without Firefly, right? After all, you haven't even appeared yet.]

[Seele: Uh, considering your reference to Entropy Disorder... isn't that bordering on dark humor?]

[Stelle: Ah! (realizing her mistake) @Firefly, I'm sorry!!!]

[Firefly: It's okay, I know you didn't mean it. ???]

[Firefly: However...]

[Firefly: Once we reach Penacony, can I also become t0!?]

[Stelle: Great ambition! Good luck!]

[Stelle: By the way, @March 7th, feeling better now?]

[March 7th: Hehe, such entertaining banter. ???]

[Stelle: ...Take some more time to cool down.]

***

The sixth evening arrived.

After several days of events, each person's state varied significantly.

Himeko sat by the window, chin resting in her hand as she gazed at the moonlit night.

She had experienced both the reunion with her lover and the subsequent postponement of their relationship restoration, causing her emotions to fluctuate wildly.

Two floors below:

Kafka was seated on the edge of her bed, leaning forward with her forehead propped up in one hand.

She deeply regretted her actions and began realizing that Su Qing indeed had no romantic interest in her. This realization hit her hard.

In the room next to Kafka's:

Meanwhile, Silver Wolf sat cross-legged, playing with the antique gaming console she had won today.

Unlike the previous two, having experienced numerous setbacks, she rebounded quickly. Engrossed in the nearly extinct old game console she acquired, Silver Wolf felt genuinely content.

As for Su Qing, he was deep in thought.

Himeko, Kafka...

And Silver Wolf—with their relationship starting due to winning or losing, it might have been a coincidence once, but twice...

Su Qing felt slightly overwhelmed.

He finally understood where the true challenge of this simulation lay.

[Sparkle: Happy.]

[Seele: Happy.]

Each person harbored their own thoughts.

Regardless, tomorrow would be the final day of the auction fair.

Both the mission involving the Stellaron and the faction choices would conclude on that day.

[Stelle: Next episode! The Birth of a Champion!]