Honkai Star Rail: Corruption System

A palpable tension hung thick in the air within Clipoth Fort's hall.

Around the long table, ministers were locked in heated debate, their voices rising and falling in a tumultuous wave, threatening to lift the very roof.

"We must accept the Company's terms! It's our only hope!"

One minister's fist slammed against the table, his voice laced with desperate urgency.

"Ridiculous! This is nothing short of selling out! We cannot surrender Belobog's future to them!"

Another minister shot back, unwavering, his tone sharp with anger.

"Enough!"

Bronya's voice cracked through the room like a whip, instantly silencing the escalating argument.

Silence descended, heavy and immediate. Every eye in the hall snapped towards her.

Bronya stood at the head of the long table, hands braced against its polished surface, her gaze firm, unyielding.

"Stop this, all of you."

Her voice resonated with undeniable authority. "I know what needs to be done…"

Just then, the heavy hall doors creaked open, interrupting the tense standoff. A woman with striking red hair, clad in a black trench coat over a pristine white dress, entered.

Her steps were measured and graceful, an island of calm amidst the tempestuous atmosphere.

"Forgive the interruption, esteemed Supreme Guardian, but I have something to say."

The woman's voice, gentle yet resolute, immediately drew all attention.

Bronya lifted her head, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "And you are…?"

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Himeko."

A subtle smile touched the woman's lips, every movement radiating effortless elegance and poise.

Recognition sparked in Bronya's eyes, her tone now laced with undisguised surprise. "Ms. Himeko of the Astral Express? It's an honor. We are deeply grateful for your assistance in the previous… conflict. Your help was instrumental in our victory."

"Had we known of your arrival, the Architects would have undoubtedly prepared a formal welcome. It's simply that the current circumstances are…unique."

"Please, no need for such formalities," Himeko waved a dismissive hand, a hint of gravity coloring her tone. "There are more pressing matters at hand. I understand your city faces unprecedented hardship, stretched to its very limit. I've come to offer a clearer picture of the situation."

"That would be… invaluable. Belobog is lost in a fog of uncertainty and desperately needs direction. Please, share everything you know."

Bronya inclined her head slightly, leaning forward with earnest eagerness, offering Himeko a gesture of deep respect.

Himeko nodded in acknowledgment.

Then, she recounted Topaz's history, her character…

And the Company's proposed solution – a risky gamble dressed up as investment, carrying an 80% chance of failure, with the very real possibility of total ruin.

Bronya listened in silence, absorbing the weight of Himeko's words. After a moment, she spoke, her voice low and thoughtful. "I understand… Thank you, Ms. Himeko. Your information has pierced through the deception."

"No matter how enticing their promises may sound, this contract is ultimately a reckless gamble. As Belobog's leader, I cannot sign a deal that risks everything based on blind faith."

Her voice gained strength, resolve hardening her tone.

A relieved smile softened Himeko's features. "Now that you've made your decision, I no longer need to feign neutrality. I believe your choice is the right one, Bronya. The Astral Express stands with you."

She paused, a trace of concern in her voice. "I do wonder, though, about Little March and Daziel. We haven't heard from them since they arrived in Belobog."

"I sent them to discuss debt deferral with Miss Topaz, but they haven't returned…"

Bronya sighed, a note of helplessness creeping into her voice.

"Don't worry, I'll reach out to them. Topaz may be a formidable force, but the Astral Express has ways of making its presence known. Whatever tricks she has planned, this time, the orbital cannon will be firmly on your side. You can confidently refuse their offer." Himeko patted Bronya's shoulder in reassurance.

A flicker of gratitude shone in Bronya's eyes. "Thank you, Ms. Himeko. With the Astral Express's support, we have renewed confidence. I believe Belobog will weather this storm."

"It's our purpose. This is a part of what trailblazing means – helping those across the galaxy who need it most."

Himeko smiled, her eyes alight with determination.

As their conversation concluded, the tension in the hall began to dissipate, replaced by a nascent hope that flickered across the ministers' faces.

"Everyone," Bronya addressed the assembly, straightening her posture, her voice now resonant with unwavering resolve. "From this moment forward, we must stand united and face this crisis together. Belobog's fate will not be dictated by outsiders!"

"Summon Gepard and Seele! Prepare them for deployment! And activate the… 'Engine of Creation'!"

…

The scene shifted back to the Mechanical Settlement.

March 7th watched, a strange unease stirring within her, as Daziel meticulously licked Clara's feet. A peculiar emotion, bordering on jealousy, bloomed in her chest.

"Daziel, that's enough!" March 7th blurted out, her voice sharper than intended. "What kind of outrageous treatment is that? You're just indulging some bizarre fetish!"

March 7th pouted, grabbing Daziel's arm and tugging him away from Clara. "If you have… urges, take it out on me! Not Clara! How old is she? You pervert!"

"Little March, what are you doing?" Daziel looked at her, utterly bewildered. "You're acting like you're ancient yourself…" He didn't understand March 7th's sudden outburst.

"I… I…" March 7th stammered, momentarily lost for words. She couldn't articulate the confusing tangle of emotions churning inside her.

All she knew was that the sight of Daziel licking Clara's feet sparked a deep-seated annoyance she couldn't explain.

In short, she was profoundly unhappy.

"Little March, please, stop," Daziel pleaded, pulling his arm free. "I'm trying to help Clara!" He crouched back down…

"Mmm… it's… strange," Clara murmured weakly, "But… it feels… comforting…"

[Target character Clara's Corruption Value increased by 3%]

…

March 7th's jealousy flared, hotter and brighter, as she watched Daziel persist. Her fists clenched so tightly her nails bit into her palms.

An invisible hand seemed to squeeze her heart, constricting her breath.

"Daziel," March 7th's voice trembled, her face flushed a burning red, her eyes swimming with a complex, unreadable emotion. "Could you… could you stop licking now?!"

"But Clara's injury…" Daziel was genuinely confused by March 7th's abrupt shift in demeanor.

"Her injury is clearly better!" March 7th's voice rose, a note of irrational petulance creeping in. "You… you don't need to lick her anymore!"

"But…" Daziel started to protest, but March 7th cut him off.

"No buts!"

March 7th's gaze locked onto Daziel, a strange intensity flickering in her eyes. "If you… if you lick her again, I… I'll…"

"You'll what?" Daziel asked, completely perplexed.

"I… I'll…" March 7th sputtered, words failing her. Her cheeks deepened to crimson, as if about to burst into flame.

_________________________

Hey there! I'm Wallnut-chan! 🌸 I'm translating this fanfic and restoring some +18 scenes that were cut from the original work—since explicit content isn't allowed in China. I went through everything carefully and reinserted the scenes while staying true to the story! Hope you enjoy it!

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