Honkai Star Rail: Developing Mobile Games on Xianzhou

Waking from the dream, Topaz brushed off the accumulated snow on her body.

The voice conference connection had been interrupted.

She took out her phone for a quick glance.

Less than a minute had passed, and she noticed two new messages:

[Aventurine: Weren't you staying on Jarilo-VI? What kind of mishap could you possibly encounter there?]

[Aventurine: I'm coming to find you; just hold on until I reach you.]

Topaz straightened her hair before replying:

[Topaz: No need to come, I'm perfectly safe.]

[Aventurine: Eldest Sister, why didn't you say so earlier? I've already initiated the warp!]

[Aventurine: Please, don't drag me into these situations anymore.]

Ignoring Aventurine's pleas, Topaz couldn't help but grin excitedly as she recalled her experiences within the Dreamscape.

Pressing the reconnect button on her earpiece, she rejoined the voice conference.

"Topaz, what exactly is going on over there?" a woman's voice asked.

"I'm fine. It might be due to being too close to the rift; the signal seems affected."

The woman fell silent.

Apparently, this explanation wasn't particularly convincing. However, she didn't press further for details.

After a few seconds, she spoke again, "Well then, Director Topaz."

"We were discussing the potential negative impacts of the game 'Honkai: Star Rail' on our department."

"Aventurine mentioned that your debt collection mission on Jarilo-VI couldn't be completed successfully because of this game as well."

"So, please share your thoughts on the matter."

Topaz smiled slightly and replied with an incredulous tone, "When did I ever say 'Honkai: Star Rail' would have negative effects on our department?"

"I only stated it has had an impact, but this influence isn't necessarily detrimental."

"On the contrary, I believe that if we can effectively keep pace with the game's storyline progression and thoroughly study it, our department's expertise will reach new heights.

"By actively embracing the opportunities and challenges this game presents, the Strategic Investment Department might surge ahead, becoming one of the most influential within the company."

Instead of shock or cheers, there was only collective silence! Everyone felt that Topaz's attitude had drastically shifted before and after his disappearance—as if he'd suddenly been injected with intense enthusiasm, which made them somewhat uneasy.

After a long moment, Aventurine spoke up half-jokingly, "Topaz... could it be that Feathered Spirit gave you some money to help boost his rankings?"

"Hahaha, Director Aventurine, you sure know how to joke.

"If anyone were giving money, it would certainly be me.

"But seriously, if buying top spots on the leaderboards were possible in this game, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to accept such an investment."

Aventurine sighed and replied, "Personally, I don't quite understand Director Topaz's perspective. As per our company's sole guiding principle—'All for the Amber King,' when it comes to Honkai: Star Rail..."

As he spoke, Aventurine's voice gradually faded until it disappeared from the chat channel.

For several seconds, silence filled the meeting room.

After confirming that Aventurine had disconnected, someone couldn't help but whisper, "What...was going on today?"

"Something seems off."

"Director Topaz, are you with him?"

"No," Topaz responded quietly, "He left Jarilo-VI two system hours ago."

Internally, doubts began to stir within Topaz.

"Could it be...that Aventurine also got involved...?"

"It's possible..."

"After all, his share was at stake in Jarilo-VI's mission."

"This time, did we finally both get more than just a taste? No, even some meat, right?"

Within the Dreamscape...

Aventurine gazed at his surroundings, appearing somewhat astonished.

Before him lay a bustling city reminiscent of Penacony's style. Currently, he stood atop a skyscraper.

In the night, the city's neon lights shimmered like a dazzling dancer, showcasing their vibrant hues with abandon.

From this rooftop vantage point, it felt as though one could hold the entire city within their grasp.

Two prepared cocktails rested on the railing nearby.

Pondering for a moment, Aventurine picked up his glass.

The owner of the second drink then emerged.

"Hello, I am Feathered Spirit, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail."

Taken aback, Aventurine stared at Lin Yu for several seconds before comprehending.

"It's you...?!"

"No, no..."

"You're really...?!"

Lin Yu smiled slightly. "Would you like me to provide some proof of my identity?"

"No, no, that's not necessary!" Aventurine tried to appear relaxed and composed.

Despite his efforts, he couldn't resist pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the sweat from his forehead. "Considering your demeanor and the ability to create such vast Dreamscape realms at will... I have no reason to doubt your identity."

Lin Yu nodded affirmatively.

"It seems those reaching the rank of Ten Stonehearts possess keen insight."

A subtle glint flickered momentarily in Aventurine's eyes.

Just as suspected! Topaz must have encountered Feathered Spirit within this Dreamscape too! That explains his drastic change in attitude!

So then,

Has Feathered Spirit contacted me for a specific purpose?

What does Feathered Spirit need from me?

What benefits could I possibly gain from him?

Lin Yu smiled faintly, his gaze seemingly penetrating all mysteries as he looked at Aventurine.

"Rest assured, your efforts won't go unrewarded."

"You can consider what follows as a collaboration."

Aventurine's heart skipped a beat, and then a radiant smile spread across his face.

"As expected, you have a keen eye for detail."

"Don't mind it; I'm just quite pragmatic," Lin Yu replied, pointing towards the city ahead.

"It resembles Penacony, doesn't it?"

"Your mission is to reach this place, while my game's storyline will also unfold here."

"Before that happens, I'll be shooting a music video called 'Sleepless Night,' and you'll have a role in it."

"What?" Aventurine was taken aback, expecting Feathered Spirit to propose some grand scheme through this meeting! Instead, it's just about filming a music video? Something feels off here.

"Heh..."

"That's how simple it is. I merely wanted to give you a heads-up beforehand."

Aventurine pondered for several seconds, realizing there seemed to be no hidden agenda behind Feathered Spirit's words—it truly was about a straightforward music video appearance.

Is he really just seeking my consent?

No, that doesn't make sense.

With so many characters appearing in the game, Feathered Spirit hadn't approached each one individually for approval. Why single me out now?

Could it be...

He wants to test my attitude?

Aventurine felt he had grasped the key point and promptly responded, "Yueling, being part of your video production is truly an honor for me!"

"How could I possibly accept any reward from you?"

"Creating such an expansive game based on reality clearly indicates that you're no ordinary individual, possessing incredible power."

"Even a slight hint of information would be a tremendous opportunity for someone like me."

"With that said, how could I ever ask for compensation?"

"Whether it's filming content or providing commentary, I'll fully cooperate!"

"You're very astute." Lin Yu raised his glass.

Aventurine quickly followed suit.

Their glasses gently clinked, symbolizing the successful establishment of their collaboration!