The Envoy of Abundance from Onphalus

　"What matters is the path you are walking on and the companions you choose to walk with. The path I chose is full of thorns, long and lonely, but I have never regretted it. Because I know that at the end of the road, there is a view that I must reach—enough to illuminate all the hardships of the journey."

　Xing nodded, seemingly understanding, but her eyes still held a hint of confusion. Russell noticed her bewilderment, smiled, and offered more direct advice: "Listen to your inner voice. It will guide you. As for me?"

　He paused for a moment, then said, "I'm really looking forward to having another interesting companion on the Star Train."

　"you?!"

　Xing suddenly looked up, her pupils dilating in shock. "You're getting on the train too? Why? You're such a powerful messenger! The Starry Sky Train is nothing to you..."

　She couldn't understand.

　Do you need a reason to get on or off a vehicle?

　Russell countered with a light yet firm tone, "If I had to name one, it would be 'want.' Want to follow my heart, want to embark on this journey, want to believe that this train will take me to my destination—my hometown."

　He looked at Xing with clear eyes and said, "Your choice is entirely in your hands. No one can make that decision for you."

　He stood up, took out a clean handkerchief, and naturally wiped the sauce off Xing's cheek.

　"Alright, energy replenished. If you want to earn some 'extra money,' the space station's trash cans are waiting for you."

　“Mr. Ling, you also have your own path to follow. Perhaps…”

　He magically produced the candy box that exuded a joyful aura, poured out a handful of colorful candies, and stuffed them into Xing's palm without saying a word. "We'll meet again. Take this. Newborns should have more sweetness and less sorrow."

　He blinked, then turned and walked out of the restaurant.

　Xing stared blankly at the pile of candies in her palm, which emitted an enticing sweet aroma, and then looked up at Russell's back as he was about to disappear through the door.

　Those gentle words, the warmth of the candy, and the faces of March 7th, Dan Heng, and Himeko flashed through her mind. A strong impulse seized her heart.

　"Sir! Wait a minute!"

　Russell stopped and turned around upon hearing the sound.

　Xing rushed to him, slightly out of breath. The confusion in her eyes was replaced by a newfound determination. She clenched the candy in her hand tightly and said clearly, "I've made up my mind! I'm getting on the bus! With everyone! To explore! To... to search through all the best trash cans on every planet!"

　Russell looked at the starlight sparkling in the girl's eyes and a knowing, gentle smile appeared on his face.

　He reached out and gently patted her shoulder: "Okay. Let's go together then, to tell Miss Himeko the good news. I'm sure she'll be very happy."

　……

　Chapter 89 Welcome Banquet.

　The brief time spent in the restaurant dispelled the dizziness brought on by the simulated universe collapse. When Russell and Star returned to the platform connecting to the Star Train, the soft light of the space station flowed across the train's cool silver exterior, like a veil draped over the departing travelers.

　Ember, like a sculpture blending into the shadows, had already been standing beside Russell.

　He bowed slightly and said in a low, steady voice, "Sir, mission accomplished. The ship's soul has been properly secured."

　He opened his palm, cradling the space cube that emitted a warm, emerald-gold glow.

　Russell nodded, lightly touched the cube with his fingertip, and it vanished like a phantom.

　"You've worked hard, Ah Jin."

　Himeko stood gracefully beside the magnificent engine of the train. Seeing the two approaching, a warm and knowing smile spread across her face. Her gaze, questioning, fell upon Russell.

　Russell nodded slightly, his tone light and teasing: "There was a slight hiccup in the small experiment at the Black Tower, but it's all settled now. That kid..."

　He turned to Xing beside him and gestured, "I've figured it out too."

　Himeko smiled knowingly, then turned her gaze to Hoshi, her expression encouraging and accepting: "So, child? Have you found your answer?"

　Xing nodded vigorously, her golden eyes shining with a light that was no longer confused.

　"It's about staying in this familiar starport of the space station,"

　Himeko's voice was gentle, like a lighthouse guiding a ship through the night, "Why don't we board the Star Train and embrace that unknown, vast starry sky together?"

　A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes as she deliberately slowed her speech. "By the way, although the train isn't as resource-rich as the legendary cosmic junkyard planet, every stop has some... well, some corners worth exploring in depth."

　"Treasures are often hidden in the most unexpected places."

　She winked meaningfully.

　Xing's gaze shifted back and forth between the vast and orderly space station behind her and the Star Train in front of her, a symbol of endless possibilities.

　The faces of her companions came alive in her mind: March 7's energetic laughter seemed to echo in her ears, Dan Heng's steady and reliable figure was reassuring, Mr. Walter's gaze behind his glasses was deep and wise, and Himeko's gentle encouragement was like a warm current in a harbor.

　She subconsciously touched her pocket, her fingertips seemingly still able to feel the lingering sweetness and warmth of the happy candy Russell had given her.

　The last trace of hesitation vanished. Xing took a deep breath, and her golden eyes were completely replaced by a pure and resolute determination like that of a newborn calf.

　She looked up at Himeko, her voice not loud, but clearly penetrating the background noise of the platform: "I...I want to get on the train! To become an unnamed pioneer! A pioneer who rummages through the world's trash cans."

　"Xing—! You've finally figured it out! That's great!"

　A vibrant voice suddenly boomed from inside the open train door.

　A pink head popped out, and March 7th, with a bright, sun-like smile, waved enthusiastically at Xing, "Come on up! Come on up! We've been waiting for you! Danheng and Uncle Yang are in there too! Shall we have a pillow fight today?"

　Himeko's smile instantly blossomed, like the brightest star in the night sky. She gracefully turned to the side, extending her arm in a deeply respectful gesture of invitation: "Welcome aboard the Star Train, new nameless passenger! Your cosmos begins now!"

　With a pleasant hiss of airtightness, the heavy train doors slid open completely. Warm, bright light poured out, mingling with the excited greetings of March 7th and the faint sounds of laughter from inside the carriage—it was the feeling of "home."

　Xing looked at the light, at the outstretched hand of March 7th, and a pure smile bloomed on her face, marking the first time she had embarked on her journey.

　She didn't turn around, but took another deep breath, and with anticipation for the unknown and a hint of obsession with the "treasure," she stepped lightly onto the connecting platform between the carriages.

　From this moment forward, she will be an unknown explorer—a great pioneer determined to search through the most valuable trash cans in the entire universe!

　"Welcome!"

　On March 7th, she grabbed Xing's hand and cheerfully pulled her into the warm carriage, their chattering voices gradually fading into the depths of the carriage.

　Russell watched the girl's figure blend into the halo of light, then glanced at the silent yet sharp-edged Ash beside him.

　He turned to Himeko, a gentle smile playing on his lips: "It seems a unique welcome ceremony can begin. Will a delicious cake be served?"

　Himeko smiled and said, "Of course. Train conductor Pam heard that you were going to become an anonymous passenger, and he took it very seriously. He started preparing the ingredients long in advance, saying that he would hold a grand welcome feast for the distinguished passenger and new companion."

　"That's truly an overwhelming honor,"

　Russell said sincerely, "Thank you for your help, Ms. Himeko, and the train conductor. Please take care of me in the future."

　“Look after each other, Mr. Russell.”

　Russell nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then calmly led Jin through the open train doors.

　Before entering the carriage, Jin's golden eyes swept across the platform with the sharpness of a hawk, confirming that there were no further potential threats, before he silently followed Russell into the carriage.

　The hatch closed silently and steadily behind them, completely shutting out the view of the space station platform.

　Om-!

　The Star Train emitted a deep and powerful hum, as if a slumbering interstellar behemoth had been awakened, and its streamlined body began to glow with a faint blue aura, symbolizing the opening of a new destiny.

　Crowds gathered on both sides of the platform to see him off. Acting station manager Estella stood at the front, waving goodbye.

　Beside her, a Black Tower doll stood quietly—the Black Tower itself, busy repairing the simulated universe, could not be present, but this symbolic tribute was the greatest respect for the train and Russell.

　The train began to accelerate smoothly, and the figures of those seeing them off quickly shrank and disappeared from view. The Black Tower doll also turned decisively and vanished into the crowd.

　Inside the carriage, Xing was leaning against the observation window, her golden eyes reflecting the vast, silent sea of ​​stars outside, which shimmered like shattered diamonds.

　This legendary train, carrying the bountiful messengers yearning to return home, loyal guards, a star core girl with lost memories but full of curiosity, and all the nameless travelers following the trajectory of the stars, roars its engines and heads into the depths of the universe.

　A new story has begun, witnessed by the stars.

　"Pam is so happy to welcome a new family member, Pam!"

　A clear, slightly serious voice rang out.

　Russell looked down and saw a fluffy rabbit, only half a person's leg tall and dressed in an exquisite train conductor's uniform, standing in front of him trying to straighten its back.

　Pam's sapphire-blue eyes looked intently at Russell, her tiny paws trying to make a handshake gesture—this was none other than the conductor of the Star Train.

　Russell showed no surprise or disdain. He naturally half-squatted down, bringing his gaze level with Pam's, and solemnly extended his right hand to gently grasp Pam's small hand: "Conductor, please take care of me from now on. I am Russell, and this is my companion, Jhin."

　Jin bowed slightly behind Russell in greeting.

　"Wow! What a polite passenger!"

　Pam's ears twitched with delight, clearly very pleased with Russell's attitude. "Welcome, Russell! And Jhin too! Once we're on the Star Train, we're all family!"

　"Please strictly abide by the train rules and work together to maintain the cleanliness and tranquility of the train!"

　It turned to the star that had just been released on March 7th, put its little paws on its hips, and tried to strike a pose of a train conductor's authority: "And you, the new nameless guest star! Remember this: No rummaging through the trash cans in the carriage! No hitting the precision instruments with a baseball bat!"

　"And you're absolutely forbidden from piling up weird 'trophies' in public areas! Do you understand?"

　Although its tone was serious, its fluffy appearance and its trying-hard-to-be-serious little face only made it seem adorable.

　Xing blinked, looked at the earnest young train conductor in front of her, and nodded vigorously: "Understood! Train conductor!"

　But what I was really thinking was: if the public areas are no good... then my own room should be okay, right?

　"Hmm, very good!"

　Pam nodded in satisfaction and then announced, "To welcome our new family, Pam has prepared a special welcome dinner that will begin in six system hours!"

　"The location is the observation car! Before that, everyone can move around freely, chat with their new companions, and get familiar with the surroundings!"

　"Remember, be friendly!"

　After saying that, Pam puffed out her little chest and took earnest little steps to inspect her train.

　Russell watched Pam's adorable figure disappear into the distance, his smile deepening. The Star Train, this ark carrying countless stories, had now become the starting point of his journey home.

　Looking at the observation car filled with laughter, Russell sat on the sofa but his gaze was always on the vast Milky Way and the constantly twinkling stars outside the window.

　"The stars in this universe are twinkling; is it possible that one of them is my home?"

　……

　Chapter Ninety: The Passionate March 7th

　Inside the observation cabin, the starlight streamed through the huge portholes, casting ever-changing spots of light on the soft carpet.

　Russell sat on the comfortable sofa, his fingertips unconsciously toying with the space cube that had once housed the bountiful Shenzhou, a faint golden light flickering in his palm.

　until……

　"Senior Russell!"

　March 7th's energetic voice broke the silence. She swept over like a pink whirlwind to the empty seat next to Russell, holding her camera like a precious treasure, her eyes sparkling.

　"Shall we take a group photo? Such an important moment—you, our incredibly capable Abundance Envoy, joining our train family—must be recorded! This is a historic and wonderful moment!"

　Russell snapped out of his reverie about the starry sky, a gentle smile naturally appearing on his face.

　He readily turned his body slightly toward March 7th and brought his head close to the camera: "Of course, Miss March. I never break my promises."

　His voice was calm, carrying a reassuring strength.

　"great!"

　March 7th cheered and immediately got into character. Adjusting her angle while repeatedly chanting, "Look at the camera! Smile!... Yes, yes, that's it!"

　"...How about a different pose, like a peace sign?... Ah, the nebula background in this picture is amazing!"

　The shutter clicked merrily as she struck various playful or quirky poses, taking over a dozen photos with Russell.

　She only put the camera away contentedly when the camera screen preview was full of satisfactory photos.

　As soon as she put the camera away, March 7th launched into a long-winded explanation. She crossed her legs and turned to Russell, her face beaming with the excitement of sharing a secret: "Hehe, senior, since we have some free time now, let me give you a proper introduction to the customs and culture of our train crew! I guarantee you'll quickly integrate into this warm family!"

　"it is good."

　Russell smiled and nodded.

　She first pointed to the fluffy figure meticulously sweeping a tiny speck of dust off the carpet not far away: "Look, that's our great and lovable conductor of the Starry Sky Train—Lord Pam!"

　Pam seemed to sense being mentioned; his little ears twitched, but he didn't turn around, continuing to focus intently on waving the broom that was much taller than him.

　"Don't let his small size fool you?"

　March 7th lowered her voice slightly, teasingly adding in a friendly tone, "He's the driver who drives our train!"

　"Normally... well, I am a little strict, especially when it comes to train cleanliness and rules,"

　She stuck out her tongue. "But he really is the best train conductor in the world! He takes such good care of the train and us!"

　"March passengers,"

　Pam's voice carried a hint of helplessness but a clear seriousness as she continued sweeping without looking up. "If you could choose to have your pillow fight in your own room instead of such an important public area as the observation car next time, Pam's severity level would drop by at least eighty percent."