Chapter 166: Click to Claim Your Free Omphalos Skin
Stelle was so lost in her own elation that she nearly forgot a crucial detail.
It was Dan Heng who calmly cut through her reverie. "Stelle. Remember Lady Aglaea's instructions."
[Honkai: Star Rail] - Stelle: "Oh, right, right! I almost forgot! There's still something important!"
[Honkai: Star Rail] - March 7th: "Let me say it, let me say it! Aglaea specifically asked us to pass this on—she hopes that after everyone arrives in Okhema, you all try your best not to reveal our identity as 'outsiders from beyond the heavens' to the locals!"
[Honkai: Star Rail] - March 7th: "Apparently, this world has some taboos and a rather unpleasant history concerning things from beyond the sky. We want to avoid causing any unnecessary panic or trouble. Since we're guests on their turf, we should respect the local traditions and rules, you know?~"
She explained it far more thoroughly than Stelle ever could have.
Everyone in the chat group was reasonable, and upon hearing the request, they all voiced their understanding and support.
[Genshin Impact] - Zhongli: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do. This is only proper."
[Zenless Zone Zero] - Wise: "Understood. We will be careful."
[Genshin Impact] - Lumine: "Mm, we won't bring it up proactively."
[Genshin Impact] - Paimon: "Got it! Paimon is the best at keeping secrets!"
[Zenless Zone Zero] - Belle: "No problem! We'll just treat it like a trip to a mysterious new country~"
Seeing everyone so cooperative, Stelle let out a quiet sigh of relief.
With the final obstacle cleared and the official visit approved, the atmosphere in the group crackled with even more excitement and anticipation. Everyone was already looking forward to their grand exploration of Amphoreus tomorrow.
[Genshin Impact] - Paimon: "Paimon's so excited for tomorrow! What's Amphoreus really like? Is the food in Okhema delicious?"
[Zenless Zone Zero] - Belle: "I heard there are tons of huge buildings and magical creatures there! I've already got my camera ready to go!"
[Zenless Zone Zero] - Wise: "Mm. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to interface with different civilizations and technologies."
Amidst the buzz, however, one more key issue needed to be addressed.
[Honkai: Star Rail] - Dan Heng: "The specific rules for this world event are not yet fully clear. We still don't know if we can freely travel back and forth using the chat group's functions once we are in Amphoreus, or if we must remain there until a certain exploration goal is achieved before we can leave."
[Honkai: Star Rail] - Dan Heng: "So, it would be best for everyone to make preparations and arrangements in advance, just in case."
His pragmatic warning served as a reminder for everyone to prepare for a potential "long-term stay."
Just as Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng were immersed in the joy of the chat, sharing their happiness and discussing preparations with their companions from other worlds, a crisp and regular knocking sound broke the tranquility of the bathhouse.
Knock, knock, knock—
Dan Heng lifted his gaze to the two lounge chairs beside him.
Stelle was grinning at thin air—the chat group interface—her fingers still tracing invisible patterns in the void. March 7th was completely focused, her expression intense as she was clearly engaged in some rapid-fire "typing" and discussion.
Both were utterly engrossed in their interdimensional communication, completely oblivious to the knocking at their door.
Dan Heng sighed, a familiar sense of resignation washing over him. He stood, straightened his clothes, and walked towards the entrance. He peered through the peephole and, with a flicker of surprise, opened the door.
Standing outside were Tribbie and Phainon. Tribbie was holding a collection of fabric samples and catalogues, while Phainon carried a delicate wooden box that looked surprisingly heavy.
"Hello there, guests." Tribbie looked up with a friendly smile, then peeked past Dan Heng's shoulder, her head tilting in curiosity. "Where's Little Gray? Is she not here?"
Dan Heng paused for a second before realizing that "Little Gray" was their nickname for Stelle.
He stepped aside to let them in, politely explaining, "She's resting inside. Please, come in."
Then, he raised his voice and called towards the balcony, "Stelle, could you come here for a moment? Lady Tribbie and Phainon are looking for you!"
"Huh? Who's looking for me?" Stelle's voice drifted back from the balcony, tinged with the reluctance of someone pulled away from a good conversation. Still, she obediently shuffled over in her slippers.
The moment she saw it was Tribbie and Phainon, her mood brightened instantly. She waved a hand in greeting. "It's you two! What can I do for you?"
Her gaze was immediately drawn to the large wooden box Phainon was carrying, and she added with a hopeful curiosity, "What's that? Did you bring us something delicious?"
Tribbie was amused by her question and quickly shook her head. "It's not food, Little Gray. Didn't you mention earlier that five more of your companions would be arriving in Okhema tomorrow?"
She gestured for Phainon to place the wooden box on a nearby table. "We thought that since Lady Aglaea has already approved your request and welcomes the new guests, we should prepare some welcoming gifts to show the hospitality of the Chrysos Heirs."
Phainon cooperatively lifted the lid of the wooden box.
Inside, five palm-sized, moderately thick stone tablets were neatly arranged. They possessed a warm, jade-like texture, their surfaces polished to a smooth finish and their edges carefully carved with Okhema's unique golden patterns. A small, faintly glowing crystal was embedded in the center of each, making them appear both ancient and high-tech at the same time.
"These are the communication stone tablets commonly used here in Okhema…" Tribbie picked one up to demonstrate. As her fingertip gently traced its surface, faint golden light patterns bloomed across the tablet.
"You can use it for short-distance text and information transmission. Compared to that… thing you used before, called a 'mobile phone,' its signal is far more stable within Okhema and less likely to attract suspicion."
At this, Tribbie seemed a little embarrassed. Her voice dropped, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "…And, we also thought it would be best… best if you tried to blend in here as much as possible, to avoid any unnecessary attention."
"So, after your companions arrive, when you're all communicating, please try to use our local communication tablets, okay?" She looked up, her gaze holding a hint of a plea.
Phainon nodded from the side, taking over the conversation to offer a further suggestion. "In addition to that, we have one more small request. To better align with the identity of 'travelers from a remote region of Amphoreus,' could we trouble you to ask your new companions for their approximate clothing sizes?"
"We will quickly prepare a batch of clothing for the five new guests, featuring styles characteristic of different remote regions of Amphoreus."
"Then, when your new companions need to introduce themselves, they can simply say they are travelers or scholars from those regions. It will be much more natural."
Stelle's eyes lit up. This was a complete windfall! Before her friends had even arrived, they were not only getting free, upgraded "mobile phones," but someone was even providing them with matching "skins" and "outfits."
When her trio had first arrived, they hadn't received this kind of VIP treatment; they'd had to scramble to cover their own lies.
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