Honkai Star Rail: Path of the Burnout

Svarog

Grift carried Luka into the clinic, the young man's eyes fluttering open as he began to regain consciousness.

Natasha: "Grift? What's happening? What did you do to Luka? Bring him over here."

She hurried over, preparing a bed for Luka. Grift gently laid him down as Natasha examined the bump on his head.

Natasha: "Just a nasty lump. Let me guess, he saw you, and fists started flying? This boy really doesn't know when to back down, does he?"

Grift chuckled. "That's one of the things I admire about him. I owe him a fair fight later."

Just then, Gepard entered the clinic, striding purposefully toward Grift. Natasha noticed him and quickly signaled two Wildfire Soldiers, who promptly aimed their spears at Gepard's throat. Gepard raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

Grift stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Natasha's shoulder.

Grift: "Nat, he's with us. Tell your men to stand down. I vouch for him."

Natasha scrutinized Grift's face, then glanced at Gepard, who remained composed and unthreatening. With a resigned sigh, she motioned for the soldiers to lower their weapons.

Natasha: "First the Vice-Commander of the Silvermane Guards, and now the Captain himself?"

Grift grinned. "Come on, Nat. Aren't you tired of living in the shadows?"

At that moment, Bronya burst into the clinic, her face flushed with urgency. She rushed to Gepard, her eyes wide with concern.

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Stelle noticed a gruff man approaching, a boy with fiery red hair slung over his shoulder. She quickly opened the door, allowing him to pass and drop off the boy. As the man moved toward her, she felt her breath catch in her throat. There was something about him—something dangerous. As he passed, a sharp pain spiked in her head. Her knees wobbled, but she stood her ground. She watched as the man laid the boy on a clinic bed, and the feeling vanished. It must have been her imagination.

Shortly after, she saw Gepard walk past and nod to her as he entered the clinic. Bronya was close behind, storming past Stelle and nearly knocking her over.

Dan Heng and March approached and greeted Stelle.

March: "How ya feeling, partner? You slept for almost a whole day."

Dan Heng stepped closer, gently tilting Stelle's chin to examine her eyes, causing her to blush slightly.

Dan Heng: "Her pupils look normal; I think she's fine."

Stelle: "Next time, ask before you stare into my eyes like that. It would be less awkward." as she batted his hand away.

Dan Heng sighed. "If I took the time to ask permission, it might already be too late. Please bear with me."

Serval walked over with a grin. "Well, if it isn't the little troublemakers."

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Stelle and her companions exited the palace, fresh from their meeting with Cocolia.

March: "We've got some time to kill. Why don't we explore the city a bit?"

Dan Heng: "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to gather some intel. We should split up. I'll question the guards and see what I can find out."

March: "OH OH, they're doing a city tour over there! Perfect for some photo ops."