The Newcomer Welcome Ceremony

Welt and Dan Heng had originally planned to retreat to their rooms to rest and recover from the lingering psychological shadows of Himeko's coffee. However, the thought of the new recruits accidentally drinking said coffee—and possibly suffering a form of "food poisoning"—made them reconsider.

After organizing the supplies and ingredients they had procured from Earth, they decided to prepare a proper welcome for the new companions, planning a grand group dinner and party.

Yet, the moment they stepped out of the passenger cabin, their great leader, Trailblaze, metaphorically hit them square on the forehead with a verbal hammer.

Their minds buzzed.

Welt and Dan Heng's faces twisted in unison, both instinctively covering their mouths.

Welt clutched his stomach tightly. The traumatic memory of drinking Himeko's coffee when he first boarded the Astral Express reawakened, aggressively assaulting his gut once more.

Dan Heng's complexion turned pale green, his eyes taking on a dead fish-like glaze as a sense of despair washed over him.

When he first drank Himeko's coffee upon joining the train, it had felt as if he had downed a cup of molten lava. He had been left mentally and physically drained for an extended period afterward.

Himeko's lips twitched slightly as she hurriedly intervened. "Maybe we shouldn't, Lord Elias. Using coffee to measure strength… is a bit absurd, don't you think?"

The idea of her coffee being the standard for gauging strength was far too embarrassing. This would essentially broadcast the fact that her coffee was notoriously unpleasant to drink.

It wouldn't be long before this story made it onto the Gossip Columns of the Interastral Peace Corporation.

She definitely didn't want to be remembered across the universe in such a way.

Although, as the Explorer of the Stars, her name had already become a legend in the galaxy.

Welt and Dan Heng quickly chimed in.

"Yes, yes, Lord Elias! There's no need for this!" Welt's face scrunched up completely as he fought off the resurgence of unpleasant memories.

"If this gets out, it will become widespread across the universe, and it would be embarrassing for Miss Himeko as well."

Elias spread his hands with a playful smile. "Alright, if you all insist, I'll let it go. It wouldn't be great for the gossip about Himeko's coffee being undrinkable to spread everywhere."

"I just thought it would've been fun to imagine the veteran members of the Astral Express showing off to the newcomers, saying, 'On this train, you need real strength just to handle our coffee.' Wouldn't that be amusing?"

Himeko, Welt, and Dan Heng all broke into a cold sweat, replying in perfect unison: "That won't be necessary!"

Elias looked regretful. "What a shame."

But the decision was already made.

From now on, Himeko's coffee would be the standard for measuring strength.

After all, the Astral Express couldn't be without its own unique culture.

Saeko Busujima, Saya Takagi, and Rei Miyamoto watched the warm and harmonious interaction between their companions and the godlike Elias. A sense of inexplicable reassurance filled their hearts.

Their eyes shone with a newfound light.

He was a god capable of creating worlds and rewriting the universe itself, yet he lived, ate, and mingled with mere mortals like them as if they were equals.

For the first time, the faint barrier separating them from everyone else melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of belonging.

Shizuka Marikawa blinked, her naturally dazed expression betraying her confusion about what was happening, but seeing everyone else so cheerful, she couldn't help but feel happy herself.

At this moment, March 7th emerged from her room after organizing the souvenirs brought back from Earth. Her pink-blue eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at the gathered group.

"Uncle Yang, Sister Himeko, Lord Elias, are you all planning the welcome party for the new members?"

The welcome party had been agreed upon in the One Big Happy Family group chat.

Turning her gaze to Saeko Busujima and the others, March 7th added, "Oh right, our new companions don't have Galactic Communicators yet."

"We can buy some for everyone when we stop by a Interastral Peace Corporation station later."

"With a Galactic Communicator, you can stay connected anywhere in the universe, and you can even meet new friends randomly!"

"It'll also make buying souvenirs from other planets much easier."

Shizuka Marikawa tilted her head in confusion, a large imaginary question mark seemingly floating above her head. She tapped her cheek with a slender finger. "Galactic Communicator?"

Saeko Busujima and the others also looked curiously at March 7th.

Elias materialized what looked like a smartphone in his hand. "In simple terms, it's just a 'smartphone,' but a 'universe-wide edition.'"

Himeko turned to Elias and asked, "Then should our next stop be the Herta Space Station? Herta previously commissioned me to find a Curio, and this would be the perfect time to deliver it."

Elias nodded, his gaze flickering slightly. "Sounds good. Our next stop will be the Herta Space Station. It's just the right time—we'll be gaining another excellent Nameless member soon."

March 7th widened her eyes, her voice rising in excitement. "We're getting another new member?"

Elias grinned. "Absolutely~ She's someone I'm sure you'll get along with, March 7th. She's a very interesting companion, and the atmosphere on the train will become even livelier."

Welt and Himeko smiled, both looking forward to the addition.

The Astral Express was growing more bustling by the day. If things continued like this, it might not be long before they saw the legendary Grand Fleet described in the records.

Clapping his hands together, Elias said, "Alright, that's for later. Right now, let's get ready for the welcome party."

March 7th hopped along energetically. "Let's go, let's go~ Finally, it's time to activate the Party Car!~"

...

The Party Car

Originally designated as the Meeting Car, it was meant for meetings between the Nameless.

But with so few members needing to convene, it had been repurposed into a dedicated party car.

With its bar counter, automated bartending robots, lighting, and an overall lively atmosphere, it radiated celebratory vibes.

"Every time I come to the Party Car, it feels so spacious."

Saeko Busujima and the others, unfamiliar with such a high-tech and cyberpunk setting, looked around curiously. The Astral Express was full of things that captivated their attention, much like cats exploring a new room.

"I can't believe there's a bar this big on the train. Amazing."

"Are the other cars this large too?"

"Of course. But currently, the train only has three cars: the Party Car, the Passenger Car, and the Parlor Car."

"The Passenger Cabin is already full, but don't worry—Lord Elias will definitely add new cars."

Elias laughed. "Don't worry, while you weren't paying attention, the train already gained new cars. If you need to set up your room, just ask Pom-Pom."

"Pom-Pom isn't just the conductor; he's also a fantastic chef and interior design master."

Pom-Pom, flattered by the praise, crossed her arms and strutted ahead, her tone nostalgic.

"With twice as many passengers, it's noisier than before. It reminds me of the old days."

"When the Party Car was still the Meeting Car, the passengers would noisily debate our next destination just like this."