Chapter 76: Screwllum

The moment Kafka appeared, the comments exploded into a frenzy.

[Kafka's here, Mom's here! Kafka, I've missed you so much! We haven't seen you since Season 1. Waaah…]

[Yeah, how are we Kafka fans supposed to survive like this?!]

[After so long, the way she looks at me is still so gentle.]

[Kafka, Kafka! Everything for Kafka!]

[Damn, they're finally filling in the Stellaron Hunters' roster Blade was in the PV, but who's the mech guy? Looks kinda cool.]

[Is it a robot or a mech? No idea! Wow, so cool!]

[Blade, it's Blade! My husband's finally here!!! So handsome!!!]

—

Soon, the next scene answered the audience's questions.

Each character was given a close-up.

Kafka maintained her charming smile, with subtitles labeling her: Stellaron Hunter—Kafka.

Blade held his sword behind his back, accompanied by ink-wash-style text: Stellaron Hunter—Blade.

Finally, the camera focused on a figure of steel.

Side view, back view, front view, low angle, high angle every aspect of the mech was showcased.

Then, fiery text appeared on screen:

Stellaron Hunter—SAM!!!

[OHHHHHHHH!]

[OHHHHHH!]

[Is this a Power Ranger? Feels a bit like EVA too!]

[This armor is so cool! Where can I buy it? Name your price!]

—

Next, Kafka and Silver Wolf conversed,

while Blade and SAM stood motionless outside like bodyguards.

Then,

Silver Wolf glanced back at the basement before turning her gaze to the trio waiting outside.

"I'm in!

Punklorde—Game Clear!"

The screen gradually darkened, with white subtitles flickering faintly.

For the first time, a narration appeared:

"Chapter 5: ??????" To be continued…

—

Seeing this, the young man immediately tapped the screen. Given miHoYo's usual antics, he half-expected the Astral Express logo to pop up right then.

Fortunately, miHoYo had a conscience. This was a movie, after all

its runtime was different. Only a third of the 30-minute duration had passed.

Then, a gray-haired young woman appeared on screen.

Only then did the young man realize he had selected the Stelle version.

"Damn, it's the Stelle version. Well, even though I'm a Caelus main, watching the Stelle version for now is fine. Besides, Silver Wolf already hacked miHoYo's official site both versions are available. No harm in switching things up."

He easily convinced himself and immersed back into the story.

As time passed, the plot unfolded: Arlan wanted to properly thank Stelle for saving his life

and arranged a face-to-face meeting on Herta Space Station.

However,

as expected, the unexpected happened—

a VIP guest, one of Herta's academic partners, was arriving.

Suddenly, everyone was swamped with work.

By coincidence, the guest arrived just then.

At Arlan's invitation, Stelle joined in witnessing the visitor's identity.

—

Soon, a large crowd had gathered at the elevator—

acting station lead Asta, security chief Arlan, countless researchers, and guards.

With a whoosh, the elevator doors opened.

A blue butterfly fluttered out,

followed by a figure stepping forward.

"Suppose thought always precedes language."

The shot only showed the visitor's torso, obscuring his full appearance.

Yet, everyone present bowed politely.

Only Stelle stared blankly at the newcomer—

until Arlan nudged her, prompting a belated response.

"Then no words could define this joy."

The blue butterfly returned to the visitor's hand, and the camera finally revealed him fully.

Observant viewers recognized him—

the very same figure mentioned by Kafka and Silver Wolf in Season 1's opening:

Genius Society #76—Screwllum.

He tilted his head slightly. "A pleasure to see you, Asta."

[Damn, Screwllum looks so gentlemanly!]

[Yeah, even in the behind-the-scenes clips, he had that vibe.]

[Wait, he's not human? Looks like a robot.]

[Not a robot a sapient mechanical lifeform.]

[His aura is incredible. Even without exaggerated human expressions, his simple gestures radiate innate elegance.]

[Reminds me of a man called V.]

[I remember he's from the Genius Society. Saw his name in Herta's Office.]

[Right, miHoYo hid a ton of lore in the Interactive Film City. You have to unlock it yourself. Doesn't affect the main story, but you miss so many details.]

[miHoYo's playing 4D chess with this franchise.]

—

Screwllum raised a graceful hand. "Apologies for arriving 4 minutes and 13 seconds early. I hope it hasn't inconvenienced you."

Asta replied courteously, "Not at all, Mr. Screwllum. Welcome to Herta Space Station."

"No need for formalities, Asta. 'You' will suffice. Herta is a convergence of knowledge here, we celebrate the equality of thought.

Organic collaboration is fascinatingly efficient. Your station's reconstruction speed far exceeded my calculations."

Asta smiled. "Thank you for the praise, Mr. Screwllum. Would you like a tour? Since the last summit, we've launched several new silicon-matrix research projects."

"Emotionally, I'd be delighted. But I did promise Herta my time first. Let's save the surprises for later."

As Asta prepared to guide him, Screwllum paused.

"And this is?"

Stelle raised an eyebrow at him. "Hey, guess."

"Hey!" Her unexpected reply startled Arlan.

But the ever-graceful Screwllum took it in stride, even complimenting her before following the group to Herta's location.

[Classic Stelle—somehow, everything she does makes sense.]

[The Stellaron spirit stays true. Not surprised at all.]

[Hahaha, Stelle's whole personality is built on gap moe.]

[Honestly, Stelle's not normal but her doing abnormal things feels normal. Am I sick?]

[Same!]

[Screwllum's characterization is great. Just a few lines, and you feel the gentleman energy.]

[Absolutely nailed it!]

—

Bored, Stelle glanced around the station and spotted a young man.

"What's this guy about to do in front of Herta's portrait?"