The Voyage Continues

The Voyage Continues is the sixth part of the Trailblaze Mission chapter Today Is Yesterday's Tomorrow. It unlocks the Parlor Car area.
==Steps==
#Complete Simulated Universe 1 time
#*Requires completion of Simulated Universe: First Closed Beta
#Leave Herta's Office
#*Unlock Feature 'Navigation' 
#Find someone to talk to and tell Himeko your decision
#Look around the Parlor Car
#*Unlock Feature 'Interastral Peace Guide' 
#*Optional Steps:
#**(Optional) Investigate the phonograph
#**Head to the Passenger Cabins
#Visit Dan Heng's room
#*Optional Steps:
#**Tour March 7th's room (0/3)
#**Leave March 7th's room
#Speak to Dan Heng
#Use the Express Data Bank
#Leave Dan Heng's room
#Return to the Parlor Car
#Listen to the conductor's instructions
#*Unlock Feature 'Friends'
#Wait for the jump
==Dialogue==
===Complete Simulated Universe 1 time===
===Leave Herta's Office===
===Find someone to talk to and tell Himeko your decision===
;(Upon leaving Herta's Office)
:New Feature Available: Navigation
:Use the to fast travel to unlocked locations
;(Interactive tutorial)
::Open 
::Use Navigation to quickly move between different locations
::Switch to the supply zone.
::Select to teleport and get to destinations quickly
----
;(Talk to Herta, optional)
: Herta: Still haven't made up your mind? Fine. Since I'm interested in you, I'll answer any questions you have.
: About Herta...
:: Herta: Me? Hmm, well, Talking about oneself is as pointless as it gets.
:: You're the master of the space station?
::: Herta: On paper, yes. But I don't really care about this place. I built it, put some stuff in, left some people here, and let them just manage themselves.
::: Herta: Asta's the lead researcher of the space station, so for all intents and purposes, she's the master. I reject the concept of ownership because I don't want the responsibilities that come with it.
:: You really are a terrible person.
::: Herta: It doesn't matter. Who cares if others don't like me? I know I don't care. As long as I have my own value, I can do whatever I want.
::: Herta: While you may have good character, do you have any value? Don't take that the wrong way, I'm genuinely asking you. You might have some value, I just don't know about it.
:: What do you actually look like?
::: Herta: Human, female, young, beautiful, attractive.
::: Herta: Not much different from what you're seeing now. I modeled it after how I looked, back when I was a kid. It might not be identical, but I'd say maybe 70, 80 percent there?
::: Herta: Oh, I was so precocious — all I cared about back then was solving the solitary wave problem, ignoring my precious childhood...
:: I still have some questions...
: About Stellarons...
:: Herta: Stellarons, huh? Ask away, I'm listening.
:: What exactly is a Stellaron?
::: Herta: According to my research, it's a type of lifeform with a special property that tethers it to a certain Path or Aeon's power.
::: Herta: Wherever it's located, it responds to that world's desires to advance its civilization. But, this comes at the cost of some form of disaster. The mechanism behind it is likely related to Nanook the Destruction.
:: Do you know about the Stellaron Hunters?
::: Herta: Oh, that weird bunch. I'm satisfied with just one Stellaron, but they've scoured the universe, obtained several, and still aren't satisfied. I don't know what their true intentions are.
::: Herta: went up against the Stellaron Hunters before. I heard there was a member whose hacking skills were on par with Screwllum.
::: Herta: Being on the same level as Screwllum — who's probably the best in the universe — is nothing short of spectacular. It's beyond my abilities, computers are not my forte.
:: Why am I able to host the Stellaron?
::: Herta: Ha... That I don't know. Which is why I'm gearing up to solve this mystery.
:: I still have some questions...
: About the Express...
:: Herta: The Express? Shouldn't you be asking Himeko instead?
:: What's the Astral Express like?
::: Herta: You mean how it looks? Like a train. Well...
::: Herta: I was very interested in the Express for a while, and wrote a lot of papers, but forgot where I left them. Now I can't remember anything about it.
:: Do you trust the Astral Express?
::: Herta: Uh-huh.
:: What's your relationship with them?
::: Herta: We've been business partners for a long time.
::: Herta: Every once in a while, I'll need them to get me things from other planets, and they often come to me to help them solve problems.
:: I still have some questions...
: About the decision...
:: Herta: Uh, what decision? You're gonna have to be more specific.
:;(The first dialogue option is variable)
:: Can I return to the space station?
:;(When asking for the first time)
::: Herta: Of course, I'll still be here waiting for you, eh... and the space station will be waiting for you. Returning... it's not impossible.
::: Herta: If you wanna be a researcher here, you can just ask Asta. If she's fine with it, I have no complaints.
::: Herta: No, hold on — you have a Stellaron within you. I think it's better if you left and came back occasionally. It might be dangerous if you stay for too long...
:: Can I stay at the space station?
:;(When asking for the second time)
::: Herta: No. You're way too dangerous. I don't mind personally, but I don't want Asta and others to take the risk.
::: Herta: You wouldn't want the Stellaron in you to hurt all the people in the space station either, right?
::: Herta: Just come back once in a while. You will always be welcome at the space station — just don't stay for too long.
:;(When asking for the third time)
::: Herta: ...You really are weird. What's so good about this place? Even I don't like staying here...
::: Herta: Ugh. Fine. To be honest with you, I have plenty of ways to seal a mere Stellaron — You just might end up not having a lot of personal freedom.
::: Herta: If you're so keen to stay... Fine. I'm okay with it. Go speak to Asta. She's the lead researcher. She's in charge.
::;(You now have permission from Herta)
:: Can I stay at the space station?
:;(When asking from the forth time onward)
::: Herta: As I've said, talk to Asta! She's the lead researcher. She's in charge. Go, go, go.
:: So I should board the Express?
::: Herta: Well, from an objective standpoint, that's the most rational place for you to be.
::: Herta: First of all, you have somewhere to live. And you'd be under their protection. Also, it'll be a long trip, so you'll have more opportunities to find a way to save yourself from the Stellaron. Lastly, if the Stellaron really explodes, you won't harm too many people around you.
:: Do I have any other choice?
::: Herta: Oh, how should I know! It's up to you, you have so many options to choose from. Maybe jump out a hatch, or hop into the Fragmentum and see if any monsters start worshiping you?
:: I still have some questions...
: Let me think things over.
:: Herta: Okay, suit yourself.
----
;(Talk to Asta, optional)
: Asta: (Trailblazer), thank goodness you're all safe.
: Asta: It's a pity that we haven't had the chance to talk much, and now the Express is about to leave. Do you have any questions?
: Is the damage to the space station serious?
:: Asta: Madam Herta gave me a piece of code, which she apparently wrote on the way here. I just tried it out and the defense shield's regenerating three times faster than before.
:: Asta: Thanks to her, the Antimatter Legion outside is not much of a threat anymore. The space station's repairs and reconstruction can also begin smoothly, but internally...
:: Asta: When the Stellaron was extracted, even for that brief moment, it corroded the space station and formed a new space — what we now call the Fragmentum.
:: Asta: The part that was corroded is irreversible, so the space station will always be in a state of quasi-Fragmentum.
:: What are the effects of the Fragmentum?
::: Asta: All existing Fragmentums are connected, so there will be monsters that will enter the space station through its Fragmentum.
:: Will I also be corroded by the Fragmentum?
::: Asta: Ahh, I'd like to know the answer to that as well.
::: Asta: All existing Fragmentums are connected, so monsters will be able to enter the space station through the Fragmentum here. But it shouldn't allow anything to exit your body, so...
:: Asta: I talked with Arlan and there's no easy solution to this problem at the moment. We can only increase the security and patrol frequency to protect the ongoing research.
: Make sure you don't burn yourself out.
:: Asta: After all this is over, I'm putting my vacation time in with Madam Herta. I've got it all planned. I'll hop on an airship and give The Blue a good look.
:: You can see it from the space station, you know?
::: Asta: Be that as it may, taking it in while on vacation and observing it during work are not the same thing.
:: Will Madam Herta let you take a vacation?
::: Asta: I guess so? I haven't taken leave once since I joined the space station...
:: Asta: And if I have an actual, full vacation, I can take my time to collect observational data and finish writing my paper.
:: Asta: Of course, there's already a lot of published research on The Blue, but I want to study it myself. It might sound a lot like work, but it's really just a hobby — there are no deadlines or quotas to meet, and I don't get paid.
;(The third dialogue option is variable, available only once per interaction)
: Can I stay at the space station?
:: Asta: I like you, but... you have a Stellaron in your body.
:: Asta: If you were just wandering around, or if you agreed to be sealed away in an experiment pod, that would be fine.
:: Asta: But if you're going to work in the space station long-term, the Stellaron may have some serious effects on the station's Fragmentum. As the lead researcher, that's a risk I cannot take.
:: Asta: I can sense your enthusiasm for the space station, but I'm afraid I have to turn you away.
: Herta says I can stay.
;(After getting permission from Herta, one time only)
:: Asta: Huh? Madam Herta said that?
:: Asta: In that case... I have nothing against it either. Mind you, if Madam Herta was to do something to you, (Trailblazer)...
:: Asta: She's not going to care a lot about what you think.
:;(You now have permission from Asta as well)
: Is there really no way I can help?
:: Asta: If you wanted to come back and help, of course, I wouldn't refuse you. Dan Heng helped inventory our rare items, March 7th said that she would help out as much as she can and connected over 50 wires in the electrical room. Everyone from the Express is so obliging...
:: Asta: And I think you're pretty good at "meddling" too, (Trailblazer).
: Let me think things over.
:: Asta: Sure, no hurry.
----
;(Talk to Dan Heng, optional)
: Dan Heng: Oh, it's you, (Trailblazer)... Do you have something on your mind?
: You're really good at taking care of others.
:: Dan Heng: Oh? What did I do?
:: You're always the first one to charge into battle.
::: Dan Heng: Is that so? Well, I am the train's guard. I suppose it's just instinct.
:: Your judgments are always accurate.
::: Dan Heng: It's about being observant at all times and carefully making the best choice for the situation. You can do it too.
:: Dan Heng: I think you're not bad yourself, (Trailblazer).
: I didn't think you approved of me.
:: Dan Heng: If you're referring to what I think about you joining the Astral Express... You're overthinking it.
:: Dan Heng: My position is simple: It doesn't matter to me. I suggest you ignore my opinions and make your own choice.
: You don't seem like someone who likes to travel.
:: Dan Heng: Being on the Express isn't exactly the same as "traveling" or "adventuring..." The Astral Express symbolizes "trailblazing" you understand?
:: Dan Heng: Trailblazing implies the unknown, be it unknown risks or unknown rewards.
:: Dan Heng: In my opinion, the unknown is no more terrifying than the known... In fact, the unknown signifies something we can control and change.
:: I'm a little hesitant.
::: Dan Heng: Don't use hesitation as an excuse. If you hesitate for too long, your original way of thinking will eventually cease to exist.
:: I understand.
::: Dan Heng: Mm, okay then.
: Let me think things over.
::Dan Heng gives a slight nod and shifts his gaze elsewhere.
----
;(Talk to March 7th, optional)
: March 7th: Hey, (Trailblazer)! I heard the news. You're coming with us on the Express, right?
: I haven't decided yet!
:: March 7th: Oh come on, you know that's what you want deep down inside. I can see it on your face.
: Do you want me to come along?
:: March 7th: Do I even need to say it? I think we're becoming fast friends... isn't that enough?
: March 7th: But you look like you've got something on your mind... come on, out with it!
: Oh how time flies.
:: March 7th: Getting nostalgic already?
:: March 7th: Y'know, when you were passed out, all I thought was I had to look after you. And then you picked up the bat! Just incredible!
:: March 7th: In the blink of an eye, you knocked that big fella into Mr. Yang's black hole and saved me... I still haven't thanked you properly yet...
:: March 7th: Nah, we're not splitting up here...
: How did you join the Express?
:: March 7th: I'd like to know too, because I was already on the Express when I woke up.
:: March 7th: I was just drifting out there in space and got picked up by the Express. Amazing, right?
: Does that kind of thing happen often?
:: March 7th: Crazy stuff like that? Not too often. It sure freaked me out.
:: March 7th: But every encounter I've had since coming aboard the Express has been strange to say the least.
:: March 7th: For example, going to the desert to catch something called a "sandfish," correcting a gravitational field to flip an upside-down castle, or almost getting my head cracked open by a galena ball falling from the sky while trying to avoid a sleeping reindeer on the road—
:: March 7th: Huh... looking back now, it all seems quite dangerous... But I had the crew there with me, so the problems didn't seem all that bad.
: I'm thinking about if I should get on the Express...
:: March 7th: Of course you should! Why wouldn't you?
:: March 7th: There's only four of us now, plus Pom-Pom. Each of us can have our own carriage to sleep in! You wouldn't have the heart to leave your carriage unmanned, would you?
:: That sounds more like a problem for you guys.
::: March 7th: Join us, (Trailblazer). Then it wouldn't be a problem anymore.
:: I don't know what the carriage is like.
::: March 7th: Then come aboard and take a look for yourself.
: Let me think things over.
:: March 7th: I'll be waiting for you, (Trailblazer).
----
;(Talk to Himeko)
: Himeko: So, have you thought things through?
: I want to join the Express.
:: Himeko: Then come with me.
:;(Go to next dialogue)
: I've made up my mind. I'll stay.
:;(This option only appears if you have gotten permission from Herta and Asta)
:: Himeko: Stay? But Herta...
:: Herta and Asta both gave me the green light.
::: Himeko: Is that so... Well, I respect your choice.
::: Himeko: Take care, (Trailblazer). We'll come back now and then to see you.
::: So long, Himeko.
:::;(Go to Alternative Ending)
::: I need some more time to think...
:: I need some more time to think...
: I still have something to talk to you about, Himeko.
:: Himeko: Hm? Go ahead, speak your mind.
:: Thank you.
::: Himeko: There's no need to be so formal. You helped us defeat that big fella, anyway. Plus, If we keep speaking pleasantries, we'll waste a whole day.
::: Himeko: You've done me a huge favor by defending the space station from the Antimatter Legion. And know that while Herta may not admit it, she owes me one. And she will not refuse me if I ask for a favor in return...
::: Himeko: And it's probably not too much to ask for a rare item from the space station, right?
::: Himeko: How about we continue talking on the Express? I'll make you a cup of coffee, my special blend.
:: Have you taken care of everything you need?
::: Himeko: Haha, I was ready ages ago. *sigh* I've been here so many times before, it should've been just an ordinary trip for me.
::: Himeko: But everything's not so ordinary anymore, is it?
::: Himeko: Walking the same path over and over will never be the same, there will always be something new. That's the meaning of trailblazing.
:: What's the next stop for the Express?
::: Himeko: As always, to follow in the footsteps of Akivili.
::: Himeko: Sometimes, we stop on other worlds and we'll continue to do so. There are countless "next stops" in the galaxy.
::: Himeko: I love the vast reaches of space, and the Express does too. I want to seek out new worlds, and the Express wants to return to its former path.
:: Why invite me to join?
::: Himeko: Because you're different.
::: Because of the Stellaron?
:::: Himeko: While that might be the biggest reason, it's not the only one.
::: I'm very self-aware.
:::: Himeko: Well, the fact that you have a Stellaron in your body is not something most people can boast about.
::: Himeko: I think you need a chance. A chance to discover just how different you really are from everyone else. Everybody keeps telling you about how special you are, and how you have a Stellaron inside you...
::: Himeko: But that's already plain as day to you. And no matter who tells you — be it me, or Herta, or anybody — it's not the same thing as feeling it yourself.
::: Himeko: You have to experience enough to know if you've gained or lost anything because of the Stellaron, and to know who you really are... Learn to control the Stellaron and then you can control your destiny.
::: Himeko: The Stellaron might still be an enigma, but the fact of the matter is — it's a part of you. And you have to embrace this before you can move forward into the future.
:: I don't have any more questions.
: I need some time to think...
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::March 7th: Let's go~
::Himeko: Time to get on.
::???: Ahem!
::???: I'm over here.
;(Cutscene ends)
----
: ???: Hey, you over there looking dumbfounded. Yes, Pom-Pom's talking to you.
: ???: Himeko told Pom-Pom about your situation. Now listen up, Pom-Pom will only say this once.
: ???: Pom-Pom's sure there have been lots of people telling you how special you are lately, but this is the Astral Express, and everyone on here has their secrets.
: ???: Since you chose to board, you can abide by the rules. You're not the only special one here. You'd best remember that.
: ???: I'm Pom-Pom, the conductor. Just come find me if you have any trouble.
===Look around the Parlor Car===
:New Feature Available: Interastral Guide
:Complete according to the instruction to obtain rewards
;(Interactive tutorial)
::Open 
::Complete to get the corresponding rewards.
::Select 
::In , you can learn combat-related knowledge and receive corresponding rewards.
::(//) here to begin basic training
----
;(Talk to Welt, optional)
: Welt: Oh, it's you. How do you feel?
: Full of energy.
:: Welt: Great. Looks like your stamina is really quite special.
: I've got a killer headache.
:: Welt: ...I'll check you out in a minute.
: Very tasteful.
:: Welt: Tasteful... Oh, you mean the train? I was asking how you felt physically.
:: Welt: You are right, though. Looking at the interior decoration, you can tell that trailblazers have quite good taste.
: Welt: In any case, I have to thank you for saving March.
: You guys saved me, too.
:: Welt: Heh, all I did was calm that thing inside you down temporarily...
:: Welt: ...I don't want to frighten you, but the truth is you won't ever be in the clear while it is still inside your body.
: I couldn't just stand by and watch.
:: Welt: It's good that you think so. Someone with that mindset and the actions to back it up — that is the true meaning of the word "hero."
: I didn't think too much about it...
:: Welt: Helping others without a second thought — that is the most important quality of a hero.
: Welt: However, as long as the Stellaron is still in your body, you should be careful what you do. I don't know if Himeko and I can suppress it again.
: Welt: But I won't bore you any longer. So much happened at the space station, you must be tired.
: Welt: There should be some time until the next warp jump, so feel free to walk around and familiarize yourself with the environment.
;(Talk to Welt again)
: Welt: But I won't bore you any longer. So much happened at the space station, you must be tired.
: Welt: There should be some time until the next warp jump, so feel free to walk around and familiarize yourself with the environment.
----
;(Talk to Himeko, optional)
: Himeko: What do you think? Does the Astral Express look the same as you imagined?
: As I expected, it looks like a train.
:: Himeko: Everyone on the Express is a passenger.
:: Himeko: We're all heading towards an unknown destination, like we are traveling together.
:: Himeko: Maybe that's why the Trailblaze chose such a look.
: I feel like it's missing something...
:: Himeko: March said something like that at first, too.
:: Himeko: Seems like you young people have similar tastes.
: Himeko: Oh right — March and Dan Heng should both be in their rooms right now.
: Himeko: You can go look for them. You youngsters should get along well.
: Are their rooms fun?
:: Himeko: Ah, you know, young people! Their rooms always reflect their personality.
:: Himeko: You can go and... have a look around?
: What about here...?
:: Himeko: We usually meet up here, but our personal cabins are in the next carriage.
: Himeko: Also, don't mind Pom-Pom's antics. They're actually pretty interested in you. It's just that we haven't had new passengers on the Express for a long while.
: Himeko: I won't steal Pom-Pom's thunder. If you have any questions, just go ask our conductor.
;(Talk to Himeko again)
: Himeko: Also, don't mind Pom-Pom's antics. They're actually pretty interested in you. It's just that we haven't had new passengers on the Express for a long while.
: Himeko: I won't steal Pom-Pom's thunder. If you have any questions, just go ask our conductor.
----
;(Talk to Pom-Pom)
: Pom-Pom: Here already? I was just engaging in pleasantries. How can I help?
: Where's March 7th's room?
:: Pom-Pom: Oh? Why are you interested in her room?
:: Pom-Pom: Ah, Pom-Pom remembers Himeko saying that you saved her...
:: Pom-Pom: Mmm, very brave! Very foolhardy! But that is what a Trailblazer should be like.
:: Pom-Pom: March 7th's room is in the Express Sleeper Compartment. She's always running around, so she might not be there.
: About Dan Heng's room...
:: Pom-Pom: Dan Heng's room? Oh, you mean the archives.
:: Pom-Pom: He's just... sort of living in there, I guess. I can't be bothered getting him out.
:: Pom-Pom: March 7th's room is right next to the Archives. You can visit him on the way.
: Is that a... phonograph?
:;(Will result in optional step [(Optional) Investigate the phonograph])
:: Pom-Pom: You recognize this as well?
:: Pom-Pom: Himeko always likes to bring back weird junk and try to fix it.
:: Pom-Pom: That also got modified a bit.
: That's all my questions for today.
:;(Will result in step [Head to the Passenger Cabins])
:: Pom-Pom: Pom-Pom still needs to prepare for the Express' warp jump. You can look around the place yourself.
:: Pom-Pom: No matter where you go on this train, Pom-Pom will always have my eyes on you.
----
;(When attempting to enter the Passenger Cabins before talking to Pom-Pom)
: Pom-Pom: Hey! Y—You don't have any questions to ask Pom-Pom!?
: Pom-Pom: Is it because you think Pom-Pom talks too much? Or is it Pom-Pom's age? You youngsters gotta learn to bridge that generation gap.
;(Same dialogue options as above)
====(Optional) Investigate the phonograph====
;(Investigate Phonograph)
: Pom-Pom: Himeko likes using the Phonograph a lot. She says it can play melodies from the past.
: Pom-Pom: Welt likes collecting these jet-black discs. It seems like they could be antiques. He'd be very happy if you could bring a few back.
;(Opens 
===Head to the Passenger Cabins===
===Visit Dan Heng's room===
;(Return to the Parlor Car immediately)
: Pom-Pom: You just left. Why are you back again!?
: Pom-Pom: Go, go. I'm busy here and I don't have time for you.
----
;(Approach Dan Heng's room)
: (Trailblazer): (There seems to be the sound of electronic equipment...)
: Dan Heng: Hm? Who's there?
: It's me, (Trailblazer).
:: Dan Heng: ...Oh, it's you. The door's not locked. Come in.
: I haven't even knocked...
:: Dan Heng: I learned to sense incoming visitors after people kept barging in so frequently.
===Speak to Dan Heng===
;(Talk to Dan Heng)
: Dan Heng: Can I help you?
: Just looking around.
: Dan Heng: Feel free. This is open to everyone on the Express.
: Dan Heng: While many of the roads that Akivili traveled along no longer exist, I think it's still meaningful to record our adventures as current passengers of the Express.
: Dan Heng: I enter the collected data into the archives' data bank. I try to catalog the people and places the Express encounters, and compare and contrast them with the existing records.
: Dan Heng: Do you see the terminal over there? It can be used to view information already stored in the data bank. Do give it a go.
===Use the Express Data Bank===
;(Talk to Dan Heng, optional)
: Dan Heng: I'll be entering any new information we encounter on future journeys, so drop by anytime to check it out. We also have a shortcut on the terminal device.
: I didn't take you to be a scholar.
:: Dan Heng: Seems like you have some deep misunderstandings about me. *sigh* Ah, well, I think I know who caused that.
: I didn't know you could fix computers so well.
:: Dan Heng: Y'know, I'm not... *sigh*
: Dan Heng: I have matters to attend to, feel free.
;(Talk to Dan Heng again) 
: Dan Heng: So, if you're headed next door...
: Dan Heng: ...keep it down.
----
;(Investigate the Data Bank, interactive tutorial)
::The stores various information collected during trailblazing expeditions across the universe.
::Open the character screen.
::View character details.
::In the data bank, you can view each character's and .
===Leave Dan Heng's room===
;(Investigate Dan Heng's Bed, optional)
:There is only one thin quilt, but it looks very warm. Being surrounded by all the books and records provides a surprising sense of security.
: (Trailblazer): (But... can he really sleep on such a hard bed?)
: Dan Heng: A hard bed is good for your spine. A bed that's too soft will end up hurting you.
: (Trailblazer): (How did he know... Did my gaze betray me!?)
===Visit March 7th's room===
;(Knock on March 7th's door)
:(You knock, but there's no response...)
: (Trailblazer): (The door is unlocked. Should I go in?)
: Just a little peek?
:: (Trailblazer): (Just one look should be fine, right?)
:;(Will result in step [Tour March 7th's room])
: Never mind.
:: (Trailblazer): (Better to wait till the room's owner comes back.)
:;(Note - It is still possible to enter and investigate her room)
===Tour March 7th's room===
;(Investigate any three of the indicated objects in March 7th's room)
;(All have the same dialogue as usually found in the Passenger Cabin, aside from the Photo Wall which has a unique first interaction)
: (Trailblazer): Make a choice I won't regret... reach the future...
: (Trailblazer): (So much has happened in such a short time...)
===Leave March 7th's room===
===Return to the Parlor Car===
;(After leaving March 7th's room)
: Pom-Pom: Ahem, hi, hello~ Attention all passengers. Attention all passengers.
: Pom-Pom: The Express is about to conduct a warp jump. All passengers, please gather at the main hall.
: Pom-Pom: I repeat. The Express is about to conduct a warp jump. All passengers, please gather at the main hall.
===Listen to the conductor's instructions===
;(Talk to March 7th, optional)
: March 7th: There you are!
: March 7th: Wait, this is your first trip! So that should be double the excitement, right?
: I'm ready, I'm ready to go!
:: March 7th: That's the spirit!
:: March 7th: Hehe, I was excited the first time I experienced a warp jump, too. But I'm used to it now.
:: March 7th: Don't worry, you'll get used to it too, and before you know it you'll be a mature and dependable passenger just like me.
: But... I'm still a little worried about what lies ahead.
:: March 7th: Ah! You're just like Mr. Yang, always worrying about things that haven't even happened yet.
:: March 7th: Young people should be energetic! Here, let's do some relaxation exercises.
: March 7th: The first step is to grab a hold of the root cause of your anxiety.
: You can't just grab something like that!
:: March 7th: Well, it is a little abstract, but basically you just need to pinpoint what's bothering you.
: OK, I got it.
:: March 7th: You really got it, huh!
: March 7th: The second step is to focus all your anxiety on that point.
: Is this some sort of mumbo jumbo about transferring consciousness?
:: March 7th: This is science! Don't get distracted! *deep breath* Focus.
: Okay, I'm ready for step three.
:: March 7th: Seems like you're a natural. It's not easy to reach this level of enlightenment.
: March 7th: Now for step three: Yank out that anxiety and cast it away with all your might!
: Come on, that's just using psychological suggestion!
:: March 7th: That doesn't mean it won't work! The best method for relieving anxiety is the one that works, right?
: Okay, well I've cast out all the anxiety now.
:: March 7th: Really? I've never been able to do it successfully myself!
:: March 7th: What does it feel like? Like all your worries have been swept away?
----
;(Talk to Himeko, optional)
: Himeko: What's wrong? You look like you were about to say something.
: Himeko: Oh, I think I know what you were going to ask. You've come to the right person.
: About the Express...
:: Himeko: Ohh, you want to know more about the Express? I'm glad. After all, it's an important companion of ours.
:: About the history of the Express...
::: Himeko: The Astral Express was a tool created by Akivili the Trailblaze, who used it to transport THEMSELF and the Nameless across the galaxy. It is rumored that there are other vehicles like it, but the Express has no such records.
::: Himeko: When I found the Express, its memory had been severely damaged, with much of its valuable information lost. All I know is that the Express is an Aspect of Creation built by Akivili themself, and used to travel the cosmos.
::: Himeko: As for how it was built and how it was damaged, I do not have an answer.
:: About where the Express is headed...
::: Himeko: The Express is traveling on a route that the Trailblazer once embarked on. The names of some destinations have been lost, but the first and final stops were both at Pegana — Akivili's home world.
::: Himeko: We speculate the Astral Express started its journey from Pegana, stopping at each destination along the way before returning there for its next journey. However, the appearance of the Stellarons has caused a delay at each stop.
:: About the Express' source of power...
::: Himeko: There is a legend in the galaxy: The heart of Akivili themself lies in the core of the Astral Express, providing it with the power to travel between worlds. But I found no evidence of that aboard the Express.
::: Himeko: Besides, the Express existed before the Trailblaze fell. There's no way they could have had two hearts, right? However, it is likely that the Express possesses some sort of mechanism to transfer power from the Trailblaze.
::: Himeko: It wouldn't be possible with a normal Pathstrider.
:: About Akivili...
::: Himeko: The fallen Aeon, deceased Trailblaze — THEIR passing is still a mystery, but of all the known Aeons, Akivili was the closest to mankind.
::: Himeko: In the databank aboard the Express, it is recorded that THEY walked among the mortals — adventuring, fighting, and celebrating with THEM. Although THEY were an Aeon restrained by the "Primum Mobile," Akivili enjoyed a freedom similar to us mortals.
::: Himeko: THEY were different from most... But THEIR passing came so suddenly that it was thought THEY were killed by another Aeon. I don't believe that to be the case.
:: I have another question...
: About the galaxy...
:: Himeko: The galaxy is endlessly vast. I wouldn't know where to begin, especially if you ask me that so suddenly...
:: About its nature...
::: Himeko: I've been to many different worlds, yet I still know very little about the galaxy, simply because it's too vast. As for its nature, there are a few theories that I can share with you.
::: Himeko: The most popular is probably the Cosmos Tree theory, proposed by Zandar, Emanator of Erudition and the first member of the Genius Society. He compared the galaxy to an enormous imaginary tree, with its leaves being individual universes.
::: Himeko: Therefore, only Aeons, who draw their energy from the imaginary, and Emanators, who are blessed by Aeons, can travel through the spaces filled with imaginary energy. That's why planets where civilizations exist are so similar.
::: Himeko: However, the theory has its flaws. Elias Salas, the 56th member of the Genius Society, invented remote detection, disproving that the imaginary is unique. This shook the foundation of the "Cosmos Tree" theory.
::: Himeko: There are other theories as well: The "Stretching" theory, the "Heat Torch" theory, and the "Parallel Imaging" theory... The Riddlers claim the galaxy is just a dream and IX's followers seem to like that claim.
:: About the Aeons...
::: Himeko: Aeons are the most mysterious beings in the galaxy. All we know is that THEY ascended from the form of intelligent beings. As for the how and why, even the geniuses over at the Genius Society haven't the slightest clue.
::: Himeko: Upon ascending to Aeon-hood, that being gains power over the Paths, free to choose the allocation of imaginary energy however THEY wish, while suffering the restrictions of the "Primum Mobile."
::: Himeko: The Aeon of Destruction seeks only to destroy the universe, while the Aeon of Erudition wants to find the answer for all that exists. Meanwhile, the Aeon of Preservation continues to forge walls, and the Aeon of Enigmata devotes themself to obscuring all that is known...
::: Himeko: A cloud of mystery shrouds the Aeons. I heard Madam Herta recruited a team to try and solve the mysteries about THEM.
:: About the factions...
::: Himeko: Compared to the Aeons, the factions are much easier to understand. Mortals with the same objective gather together to practice their understanding of Aeons and the Paths.
::: Himeko: Many Aeons are unreachable, but the factions are close to us. After Akivili trailblazed across the galaxy, people became aware of the existence of other worlds. Gradually, more people started trying to use the power of the Aeons to travel between worlds.
::: Himeko: The Interastral Peace Corporation is a good example: They worship Qlipoth, the Aeon of Preservation, but somehow became the largest economic entity in the galaxy;
::: Himeko: Another example is the Genius Society: There is no shortage of eccentrics like Madam Herta who dedicate themselves to scientific research under the protection of the Erudition.
::: Himeko: These factions possess the same power as us to voyage between worlds. It would be hard to travel through the galaxy without them.
:: About the Paths...
::: Himeko: The birth of an Aeon gives rise to a Path. The nature of the Paths remains a mystery, leaving us to draw an analogy in a way that mortals can understand: It's a philosophical concept of sorts.
::: Himeko: A person is considered to be on a Path when their will overlaps with that Path. If the person has a strong enough will, they can draw power from that Path. Those who can do so are called Pathstriders.
::: Himeko: Pathstriders possess extraordinary power, but are still insignificant compared to the Aeons, like a drop of water in a vast ocean. Sometimes, Aeons will bestow a mortal with their power, making them an "Emanator" of that Aeon.
::: Himeko: I should mention that once a Path is open, it cannot be closed, even with the fall of its Aeon. That is how we are still able to travel across the stars, despite Akivili's passing.
:: I have another question...
: About Trailblaze...
:: Himeko: "Trailblaze" is our mission and the source of strength that powers the Express to travel across the galaxy.
:: About Exploration...
::: Himeko: Explore the unknown world to continue our journey ahead.
:: About Understanding...
::: Himeko: Understand the local culture and immerse ourselves within it.
:: About Establishing...
::: Himeko: Establish a connection with the new world — rejoice with it and share in its fears.
:: About Connection...
::: Himeko: Connect worlds together, carving an endless path.
:: I have another question...
: I don't have any more questions.
----
;(Talk to Welt, optional)
: Welt: This is your first time experiencing the warp jump, so a little discomfort is unavoidable.
: Welt: If you're really anxious about it, I can stay here and have a chat with you.
: About our companions...
:: Welt: About everyone on the Express? Who would you like to know about?
:: About Himeko...
::: Welt: Haha, she's the owner of the Express. We joke around calling Pom-Pom the conductor, but everyone knows Himeko is the boss.
::: Welt: It all started with her encounter with the Astral Express, and they haven't been apart since then.
::: Welt: She's... extremely passionate, like a burning sun. However, she remains mysterious most of the time. Once in a while, you feel that she's burning herself out trying to accomplish her dream.
::: Welt: Only someone like her is worthy of the Astral Express. I think Himeko's vision of her whole life revolves around... a very important dream.
:: About Pom-Pom...
::: Welt: To be honest, I don't know when Pom-Pom appeared... I think it was before I came to the Express? No wait, maybe it was after...
::: Welt: Pom-Pom is like the spirit of the Astral Express. Whenever anyone on the Express needs help, they will appear immediately. It would be ill-advised to underestimate them.
::: Welt: Pom-Pom is terrifying when they get angry... Yes, terrifying...
:: About Dan Heng...
::: Welt: Dan Heng is a lonely child. He may appear distant and cold, but his heart is kind. Perhaps, he's the way he is today because he spent so much time on the run. Sometimes, he reminds me of myself when I was young...
::: Welt: We don't know what he's running from. He once told me that he didn't know either. All he knew was that something was chasing him and that he had to run away — first from the Xianzhou, then the IPC.
::: Welt: So he boarded the ship of a troupe called the "Mourning Actors" and escaped the IPC. After a while he made his way to the Express, and he's stayed here longer than anywhere else.
::: Welt: Don't worry, no matter who or what wants to hurt Dan Heng, we won't let them. Those who dare attack members of the Astral Express should be prepared to suffer the wrath of me and Himeko.
:: About March 7th...
::: Welt: Did Himeko tell you about March 7th? She was trapped in ice, floating through space. We happened upon her and rescued her.
::: Welt: It was a unique type of ice known as Six-Phased Ice — a substance that adheres to Imaginary Law, meaning that external forces cannot change its form.
::: Welt: Whoever sealed her inside the Six-Phased Ice... No matter who it is... did so either to protect or banish her. I believe she had been floating through space for some time.
:: I have another question...
: About Stellarons...
:: Welt: It's impossible to trace the origin of this phenomenon. When it's observed by humans — or I should say once it begins to affect the physical world — it's already too late to reverse.
:: Welt: It's like a sudden storm that appears on a calm ocean. This phenomenon causes the smooth journey through the expanse to be filled with dangers.
:: Welt: The mechanism whereby this mutation and corrosion spreads is the Stellarons.
:: Welt: It promulgated rapidly like cancer cells, so the Interastral Peace Corporation named it the Cancer of All Worlds.
: About the Antimatter Legion...
:: Welt: They are an army ruled by the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook.
:: Welt: As Nanook's followers, they stand against all life and civilization and execute the will of Destruction, disseminating chaos and calamity.
:: Welt: Their actions cannot be explained by reason, because their only motivation and purpose is to destroy.
: About the Fragmentum...
:: Welt: The Fragmentums are a phenomenon of corrosion.
:: Welt: The mainstream school of thought is that Stellarons catalyzed the appearance of Fragmentums.
:: Welt: All matter and space that comes into contact with the Fragmentum will be turned into Fragmentum creations.
:: Welt: However, you don't have to feel too burdened. At the very least, the current state of the Stellaron in your body is very stable and will not cause distortion to the outside.
: I don't have any other questions.
----
;(Talk to Pom-Pom)
: Pom-Pom: You took long enough! But at least everyone's here now.
: Where is Dan Heng?
: Pom-Pom: He won't be here, so just leave him be.
: Pom-Pom: Oh yeah, take these.
: What's this?
: Pom-Pom: Just a little gift from the conductor to the passenger. Think of it as an investment in your future growth.
----
;(After Pom-Pom shows you the Trailblaze Level Rewards)
: Pom-Pom: Okay everyone, hurry up and find a place to sit down. Try not to be like March, always running around the Express like a headless chicken.
: Pom-Pom: Pom-Pom's going to start the final preparations for the jump.
===Wait for the jump===
:New Feature Available: Friends
:Add friends, receive support, and challenge strong enemies
;(Interactive tutorial)
::Turn on your and view the Friends menu.
::Open the screen
::Add Friends via system recommendations or by searching with UID.
----
;(Sit down on Sofa)
:Are you ready to move on to the next planet?
: What's the next stop for the Express?
:;(Continue with cutscene below)
: Wait...
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::(Trailblazer): The universe...
::(Trailblazer): The Astral Express...
::(Trailblazer): Aeons...
::(Trailblazer): ...Did I get dragged into a science fiction movie or something?
::(Trailblazer): This "Stellaron" thing... in my body...
::March 7th: Are you trying to catch the stars?
::March 7th: Hee-hee, I've done stuff like that before.
::March 7th: But, it wasn't stars for me though... it was lights.
;(Cutscene ends)
----
: March 7th: When I first woke up after being rescued from the ice, I could see clusters of stars in front of me. I reached out for them automatically, but they turned out to be the carriage ceiling lights.
: March 7th: The whole crew was watching me — it was pretty embarrassing...
: Rescued from the ice?
:: March 7th: Oh, I forgot to tell you.
:: March 7th: Before all this, I was stuck in a huge block of ice drifting through space.
: The whole crew was watching you?
:: March 7th: Uh-huh! Like I was some kind of weird alien! I don't really blame them for being curious though — they had no idea where I came from.
:: March 7th: You might not believe it, but before all this, I was stuck in a huge block of ice drifting through space.
: March 7th: Himeko and Mr. Yang and... who was it again? Anyway, they figured out a way to melt the ice and saved me.
: How did you get frozen?
:: March 7th: Who knows? I don't remember anything before that.
: Do you remember what happened before you were frozen?
:: March 7th: I don't remember a thing.
: March 7th: Who I am, where I'm from, my name... it's like everything was erased from my mind. "March 7th" was the day they found me, so it stuck.
: March 7th: Ever since then, I've been hanging out on this train and following it to whatever destination it decides to stop at. I'm hoping that one day, I can find my past...
: March 7th: Ugh, what am I talking about this for? Way to get everyone down, huh.
: Sorry.
:: March 7th: It's fine. I was the one who brought it up.
: ...
: March 7th: Cheer up, (Trailblazer)! It's not every day someone gets to ride on the Astral Express...
: March 7th: Ah, here comes the conductor!
: Pom-Pom: The Express has reached a safe distance from the space station. We'll be jumping in about ten minutes.
: Pom-Pom: Return to your seats please, both of you. Things could get bumpy!
: March 7th: Uh... thanks, Pom-Pom. But did you really have to come and remind me? I'm not a newbie, you know~
: Pom-Pom: Well, it wouldn't be necessary, but Miss March 7th likes to challenge herself... and falls over every time.
: March 7th: That's just called never giving up! Hehe~
==Trivia== 
* It is possible to get to an Alternative Ending during this mission.
==Gallery==
Trailblaze Mission The Voyage Continues - The Astral Express Departs
Trailblaze Mission The Voyage Continues - March 7th and Trailblazer
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
==Navigation==
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