Honkai Star Rail: I Became the World Tree — Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Three Gods Arrive at the Source Continent

The Source Continent breathed a quiet sigh of relief in the morning light.

Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng had already departed, stepping through the spatial rift toward the frozen world of Belobog. Now, only a handful of figures remained at the Star Adventure Group Station: Welt, Samuel, and the lively trio of children—Clara, Hook, and Anviel.

Anviel padded over to the sofa where Samuel was resting. “Lord Sacred Tree, I’m going to look after the store now.”

Samuel offered a gentle smile, waving a hand. “Go ahead. Keep an eye on the others.”

Cheering, Anviel grabbed Clara and Hook by the hands, and the three of them sprinted off toward the General Store. Ever since arriving at Samuel’s side, the children had become inseparable. Their days were spent chattering and playing games behind the counter, turning the shop into their own personal playground.

Recently, the local elves had finally worked up the courage to start spending their hard-earned copper and silver coins at the General Store. To the native inhabitants of the Source Continent, the mundane items lining the shelves felt incredibly novel, practically radiating a divine aura. Because the shop had been established by the Lord Sacred Tree himself, the more fanatical elven believers had taken to calling the ordinary snacks “Sacred Food”—delicacies bestowed directly by their god.

Not long after the children left, a sudden commotion broke the tranquility of the station. The heavy main doors swung open with a dramatic flair.

Furina hopped inside, planting her hands firmly on her hips as she struck a theatrical pose. “Ta-da~ The great God Focalors has arrived!”

Samuel looked up, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Morning, Furina.”

Dropping the pose, Furina giggled and practically skipped over to him. “Morning, Samuel! I brought three heavyweight friends along this time. They are all very important members of my Justice Adventure Team!”

Following her gesture, Samuel looked toward the entrance. Standing just beyond the threshold, surveying the architecture of the Star Adventure Group Station with varying degrees of curiosity, were three figures: Zhongli, Venti, and Nahida. Clorinde stood quietly a few paces behind them, ever the dutiful bodyguard.

The moment Nahida’s bright green eyes landed on Samuel, her small face lit up with pure joy. She trotted over, her bare feet pattering against the floorboards. “Samuel, long time no see.”

Samuel leaned forward, his voice softening. “Long time no see, Nahida. How have things been lately?”

She nodded happily, a proud little smile touching her lips. “Very well. I’ve seized the highest authority of the Akasha and finally left the Sanctuary of Surasthana to walk around Sumeru.” She paused, looking around the room with wide, appreciative eyes. “Before, I only saw the scenery of Sumeru through the eyes of small animals. It really doesn’t compare to seeing the world with my own eyes.”

Samuel raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. “Oh? You just walked out? The Grand Sage and the others didn’t try to stop you?”

Nahida shook her head, her twin tails swaying. “They can’t. I am the one with the highest authority over the Akasha now. The Grand Sage rarely visits more than a few times a year anyway, and I left a backup plan in place so he won’t notice anything unusual.”

“Nicely done,” Samuel praised, earning a radiant smile from the young Archon.

“By the way, let me introduce you,” Nahida said, turning back to her companions. “These two are the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, and the Geo Archon, Morax. They are the presiding deities of Mondstadt and Liyue.”

Samuel stood up, offering a polite nod to the two towering figures. “Hello. I am Samuel. Welcome to the Source Continent.”

Venti immediately leaned in, his teal braids framing a highly expectant expression. “Hello, Samuel! I’d actually like to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Where is the tavern in your world?”

Samuel couldn’t help but laugh. As expected of the legendary drunkard. The very second thing he asks upon arriving in a new world is where to find the booze.

“My situation here is a bit special,” Samuel explained dryly. “There are no taverns for the time being. However, you can go ask the elves in the city. They should have some fruit wine brewed away.”

Venti licked his lips, his eyes sparkling. “Wine brewed by elves? Oh, I really want to try that.”

Samuel mercilessly poured cold water on the bard’s enthusiasm. “The problem is, do you have any money? Specifically, the currency of our world.”

Venti waved a hand dismissively, entirely unbothered. “Not having any right now doesn’t mean I won’t have some in a bit! I am the best bard on the continent of Teyvat. I can easily earn money by busking.”

“You can certainly try,” Samuel said. “But the fastest way to get our currency is by fighting monsters. To the east of the forest, there is an Orc Tribe. They are my enemies. Killing them will drop currency, and you can also gain experience to increase your strength.”

Venti dramatically slumped his shoulders, letting out a long, exaggerated sigh. “Fighting is so exhausting. I think I’ll try busking first.”

“Up to you.” Samuel shifted his gaze to the stoic man standing beside the bard. “Hello, Morax.”

Zhongli offered a measured, elegant bow. “Mr. Samuel, it is a pleasure to meet you. Please guide me. Though, if possible, I would prefer you to call me Zhongli. That is the name of this current vessel.”

“Alright, Zhongli,” Samuel agreed. “First, I’ll need to set up your classes and personal status panels. This is a standard benefit for you Heroes who have crossed over from another world.”

Zhongli tilted his head, a hint of confusion breaking his calm facade. “Classes?”

“You’ll understand the specifics once you obtain them,” Samuel said, gesturing toward the door. “Come, follow me to the base of Irminsul.”

Hearing this, Furina quickly chimed in. “Samuel, I won’t be going with you! I’m going with Mr. Welt and Clorinde to watch Stelle and the others battle the Stellaron.”

“Go ahead,” Samuel said. “Stay safe out there.”

Furina put her hands on her hips, huffing proudly. “I am the great God Focalors! Besides, I have my exclusive guard Clorinde with me, and Mr. Welt is coming along too. It’ll be perfectly fine!”

With the day’s plans settled, the two groups split up. Furina, Welt, and Clorinde stepped into the shimmering teleportation gate leading to the snow-swept plains of Belobog. Meanwhile, Samuel led Zhongli, Venti, and Nahida out of the station to choose their new classes.

As the four of them walked through the settlement, they passed the General Store. Samuel paused to greet Clara, Anviel, and Hook, who were currently playing a chaotic game of tag near the entrance. They weren’t alone; several elven children had joined in, their laughter ringing clearly through the morning air.

Watching the kids crowd around the storefront, a sudden wave of nostalgia washed over Samuel. It reminded him of his childhood in his previous life, back when he and his playmates would gather outside the small snack shop at the school gates. Back then, whoever held a fresh bag of chips was the temporary ‘boss’ of the playground, commanding the absolute loyalty of the other kids.

“That is the General Store,” Samuel explained to the Archons, pointing toward the building. “Every seven days, items from other worlds are refreshed on the circular platform at the very back. If you’re interested, you can go take a look later. This week’s featured item is the Armor Summoner.”

Zhongli nodded slightly, his amber eyes analyzing the structure of the store before he continued following Samuel toward the towering, imposing silhouette of the World Tree.

Soon, the four of them arrived at the base of Irminsul.

Nahida stepped forward, her small hands clasping together as she stared up at the massive, withered trunk. The sheer scale of the dead branches clawing at the sky cast a heavy shadow over the clearing. She turned back to Samuel, her bright eyes clouded with deep concern.

“Samuel… your body…”

“Chaos has invaded our world,” Samuel said, his voice calm, devoid of any fear. “I am currently in a near-death state, but it won’t be long before I recover. You don’t need to worry.”

Nahida let out a soft breath, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly. She turned her gaze back to the sprawling, lifeless branches of the great tree. “Samuel… you said last time that I am the purest branch of Irminsul. Was that true, or were you just comforting me?”

Samuel stopped beside her, looking up at the same withered canopy. “Yes, it’s true. And in the future, you will meet someone who will tell you everything about your true origin.”