Chapter 237: Lunch on the Astral Express

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The Dare to Die skill seemed quite peculiar.

In theory, with proper use alongside the Horse Talisman, it could lead to becoming virtually indestructible.

However...

"Daring to die" was too vague.

It felt like it wouldn't be easily activated.

Moreover, Bochang could already avoid death by obtaining the Dog Talisman, coupled with his Elementary Student Card and Divine Shield, along with the Time Stop skill from 'I'm Running Late'.

Thus, the appeal of the Dare to Die skill wasn't significant for him.

Of course...

The primary reason lay in the content of the options being just too... unconventional.

Deliberately giving someone a mysterious hard slap just didn't align with Bochang's nature.

In his room, following the system's prompt, Bochang reached out and gently pinched the cheeks of Herta mannequin.

The skin felt remarkably realistic, not much different from a living person, and he could even sense a slight warmth within.

As he moved his fingers slightly while pinching her face, noticing no completion notification from the system, Bochang realized he needed to do more.

"Observe if there are normal physiological activities... How exactly should I do that?"

Recalling a set of images he had seen before his transmigration, inspiration struck him instantly.

Applying gentle pressure with both hands, Herta mannequin's cherry-red lips parted open.

"Next, I would have to insert my finger inside... No, our relationship isn't that close; better not go too far."

Bochang wisely refrained from proceeding further.

Instead, he observed externally.

Between Herta mannequin's lips, faint traces of crystalline moisture were visible.

"The cheeks are warm, and the mouth is moist. It seems... she exhibits normal physiological activities..."

Just as this thought crossed Bochang's mind, the system's notification sounded:

[Reward being issued - Congratulations! You have obtained the Teleportation Ring, allowing spontaneous teleportation up to ten meters. Comes with three energy slots, each depleted by one use. Requires twenty-four hours for recharging to restore one slot. Note: This type of item will...]

"Huh? I got another one."

Including the previous teleportation ring he hadn't yet given away, Bochang now possessed two.

Having gifted one, he still retained another.

Inwardly, Bochang felt secretly pleased.

Herta mannequin slowly opened her eyes, revealing indifferent purple pupils that reflected his face with crystal clarity, akin to a calm lake's surface.

Bochang could distinctly see his own expression mirrored there, making the moment somewhat awkward.

"What are you doing?"

"I was..." Bochang blinked, "I was observing the mannequin. Anyway, aren't you going to give her to me eventually?"

Herta remained silent for a moment before responding, "I haven't given her to you yet. Quickly release your grip."

Her voice was expressionless.

Bochang obediently complied.

"Alright, alright. By the way... how did you suddenly connect with this mannequin? Can you sense her condition even when offline?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

Herta glanced at Bochang with a hint of disdain in her eyes.

Had she arrived any later, who knows what mischief Bochang might have attempted next.

"Phew... Good thing I didn't give her that Big Biodou slap," Bochang couldn't help but mentally quip. "Seems like the 'Seeking Death' skill was truly designed to prevent me from getting killed by Herta!"

Herta stepped off the bed, took a few casual strides, and after ensuring there were no issues with the mannequin's functionality, turned to face Bochang.

She said, "Remember to arrive promptly at the laboratory this afternoon, and... don't mess with my mannequins again."

With those words...

Herta mannequin closed its eyes once more, apparently logging out swiftly.

Bochang scratched his head.

Suddenly, knocking sounded on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Bailu. Can I come in, Bochang?"

"Sure, come on in." Bochang had no intention of refusing.

The young dragon girl opened the door, curiously scanning the room before saying, "Is this your room, Bochang? It feels quite simple..."

Having just moved onto the Astral Express, Bochang's room contained only a table, two chairs, and a large bed.

Compared to Bailu's lavish residence, it was indeed quite modest, understandable for eliciting her remark.

"Well, I've only recently joined the Astral Express crew, and I do prefer simple furnishings," Bochang said with an unconcerned smile.

He wasn't a girl; there was no need to make his room overly decorative. Keeping it clean and tidy sufficed.

"You're right." Bailu's gaze shifted towards Herta mannequin. "Miss Herta...isn't here now?"

"She was here earlier but has already left."

Bochang glanced over briefly.

Herta mannequin stood motionless in its place.

"Bailu, did you need something from me?" Bochang turned around.

The young dragon girl replied, "Himeko asked that you stay for lunch on the Astral Express before leaving. If you agree, she'll start preparing now."

"Sounds good."

Bochang nodded in consent.

Together, Bochang and Bailu returned to the train's main hall.

Without March 7th present, the atmosphere felt subdued.

After Himeko left to prepare lunch, Bochang, Bailu, and Qingque exchanged glances, unsure what to do next.

"Such boredom! Want to play cards? We never finished our game yesterday..." Qingque suddenly suggested.

Bochang looked at the mahjong enthusiast.

"I doubt we can manage now; there are only three of us. Himeko is cooking, and Pom-Pom doesn't know how to play."

"But isn't Miss Herta here too? She probably knows how to play mahjong," Qingque responded.

Bochang shook his head.

"Miss Herta is incredibly busy. Why would she specifically join us for a game of mahjong? Besides, she might not even know how to play."

As they chatted casually...

Time slipped away slowly.

Soon, March 7th and Stelle returned to the Astral Express.

Only the two of them came back.

Sushang had taken Banxia off to enjoy prison meals under her watchful eye.

Their return coincided perfectly with mealtime.

Himeko, wearing a white apron, emerged pushing a trolley laden with an abundance of delectable dishes—meat and vegetables alike, vibrant in color, instantly stimulating everyone's appetite.

At that moment...

Bochang suddenly recalled he possessed a skill called Master Chef.

Should I find an opportunity to give it a try later?

With this thought in mind, Bochang began enjoying the meal.

Although Himeko's coffee was quite unpalatable, her culinary skills were impressive, making every dish visually appealing, aromatic, and flavorful enough to entice multiple servings of rice.

During lunch...

March 7th continued, "While wandering around Cloudford earlier, we stumbled upon Liang Mu's remains. It seems he was captured by one of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and subsequently killed..."

"I see..." Bochang replied indifferently.

He didn't feel much for Liang Mu, having never met him before.

"Banxia got so distraught she almost fell back into her Mara-Struck state again," March 7th chattered on. "Luckily, Sushang acted swiftly and knocked her unconscious."

Among the Astral Express crew, the pink-haired girl was undoubtedly the most talkative, while others tended to be more reserved.

Stelle quietly ate, showing no inclination to join the conversation.

"Sigh... How truly pitiful. Falling in love with a short-lived species is bad enough, but it turns out he was also an Elixir Seeker..." Bailu gently shook her head.

Out of nowhere, Bochang added, "Banxia herself is a Disciple of Sanctus Medicus."

"Bailu sighed, "Ah... True, they were somewhat evenly matched, yet it remains a tragic story."

Meanwhile, Stelle remained focused on finishing her meal.

After lunch, Bochang and his companions bid farewell to Himeko, preparing to leave the Astral Express and return to Central Starskiff Haven.