Honkai: Star Rail — Kamen Rider! [28]

A new day had dawned.

Though the skies above Camille were still shrouded in gloom, the survivor camp was buzzing with activity.

Guards moved silently through the ruins, organizing supplies. The remaining residents helped however they could. Children ran and played in the open spaces, their laughter bringing rare brightness to the still-heavy air.

And Sora…

Sora sat off to the side, eyes distant, staring blankly into the murky heavens.

He was still processing everything he'd learned the night before.

I was just trying to figure out this planet's hidden contingency plan... How the hell did it turn into this?

He let out a deep sigh.

The deeper he dug, the less he understood.

First, the planet had its own consciousness—already weird enough.

Then, somehow, it turned out to be connected to both the Galaxy Rangers and a Lord Ravager.

Two names that needed no introduction in the galactic stage.

Together, they pointed to one of the greatest events in recent cosmic history.

The Lord Ravagers—that required no explanation. A high-ranking Herald of Nanook, the Aeon of Destruction. An executor of divine ruin. A being whose appearance meant planetary extinction at minimum—star system erasure at worst.

The Galaxy Rangers—an independent band of justice-seekers who followed the Hunt Aeon, Lan. Crusaders of conviction. Believers in violent retribution, swift judgment, and the ideal that justice could only be upheld by individual action.

In recent aeons, their presence had faded into myth. Their once-renowned name had nearly vanished—after they suffered a devastating blow.

That blow came when the Galaxy Rangers united to slay the Lord of Ravager, Zulo.

The operation was catastrophic. Nearly every Sea-Walker in the star ocean participated.

They succeeded—but the cost was staggering.

The defeat of a Lord Ravager—an entity blessed by an Aeon—by mere Pathstriders?

The news had rocked the galaxy.

Because make no mistake: Pathstriders, no matter how powerful, could only borrow a trickle of an Aeon's might.

Emanators, on the other hand, not only received full blessings from their Aeons, but were often warped and reforged by their will.

They could crush cities with a glance. Shatter planets with little effort.

The final battle reportedly warped entire regions of imaginary space—and to this day, the coordinates of that battlefield remained unknown.

Otherwise, Sora mused, it would've become one of the galaxy's top tourist destinations.

And now… Camille was somehow linked to that war?

Seriously?

Sora rubbed his temples, feeling a headache build behind his eyes.

Is that why the Annihilation Cult chose this planet to build their War Foundry? Because of this buried history?

After all, Herta Space Station had one Doomsday Beast.

This place had five.

What if the planet really had some connection to the Aeons? Would explain a lot…

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden wave of warmth—like a cool breeze passing through his skull, soothing the pain.

He opened his eyes.

Robin sat beside him, her emerald eyes glowing faintly with gentle Harmony.

It was her power that had eased the pressure in his head.

"You okay now?" she asked, her tone calm, but eyes filled with concern.

She had sensed something wrong in his spirit—not his body. Something off in his mental state.

So she had used her Harmony Path to ease his burden, and dissipate the pressure gnawing at him.

"Much better. Thanks," Sora said.

"Don't mention it." She gave a soft smile and settled beside him.

"I heard we'll be escorting the survivors to the trade star three light-years away."

She sounded reflective. "A few days ago, I never would've imagined we'd get this far."

Only recently, the Antimatter Legion had all but overrun the planet. Now, they were preparing to leave this war-torn world behind.

Sora nodded, savoring the quiet, and the Harmony energy that dulled the lingering ache in his skull.

Galaxy Rangers, Ravagers... who cares? It's all in the past.

No way a confirmed-dead Lord Ravager could just come back now, right?

"Hey, Sora," Robin said suddenly. "You free for a bit?"

"Hm? What's up?"

"The kids I've been teaching learned a new song. They said they really want to perform it for you."

Her voice held a mix of affection and exasperation. "I'm the one who taught them, but for some reason... you're the only one they care about."

"Haha, maybe it's the transformation factor," Sora said smugly. "No one can resist the power of a Rider henshin."

"So... you coming?"

"Obviously. How could I say no?"

...

Robin led him to the playground area.

The moment the children spotted Sora, their eyes lit up.

"Sora-oniisan!"

"Sora-oniisan!"

They rushed him in a wave, swarming around him with uncontainable joy.

Robin watched the scene unfold, half amused, half helpless.

She'd been completely sidelined.

All she could do was sigh and watch Sora get mobbed like a local hero.

Yep... that's Sora for you.

She smiled despite herself.

Sora chatted casually with the kids for a while.

Then Robin cleared her throat softly.

Instantly, the children snapped into formation like trained little soldiers, lining up neatly in front of him.

"Ahem. Since our audience is here," Robin said, her tone mock-serious, "let's begin just as we practiced."

Sora took a seat, waiting quietly.

And then—

🎵

We rise together as our destiny unfolds,

We face the darkness and our trials are yet untold...

🎵

They sang.

Honestly, the harmonies were uneven. A few were off-key. Timing was... debatable.

But their earnest faces, their bright eyes, and Robin standing just in front of them conducting like a proud older sister—it made all those imperfections irrelevant.

Sora smiled.

The song flowed through the camp like morning light.

People paused their work. Heads turned. Hearts softened.

For the first time in a long while, it felt like hope had returned to this planet.

That maybe… they were finally moving toward something better.

But just as that thought took hold—

Thump... thump...

A sudden pulse—like a heartbeat—echoed in Sora's chest.

The Cyclone Memory at his waist shivered.

His consciousness blurred, pulled inward.

The Planetary Library... was calling him again.