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On a spaceship bearing the emblem of the Interastral Peace Corporation.
Topaz was tidying up her appearance in front of a mirror while keeping an eye on the content of Honkai: Star Rail.
The screen on the right suddenly flickered.
A new message automatically popped up.
[Aventurine: Wait, I just saw it. Did you really buy it?]
[Aventurine: What kind of deal did you make with Yu Ling? To get him to turn company people into actual playable characters? Even you and that Trotter into the gacha pool?]
Topaz replied dismissively.
[What's wrong with company people? Aren't we all hardworking young folks? It's normal for Yu Ling to pick us for the gacha pool.]
[Aventurine: Seriously, based on the previous storyline, I feel like Yu Ling has a tendency to portray the Interastral Peace Corporation as the villains, and in reality, most people in the company are indeed a bunch of jerks.]
[Aventurine: This time, you entering the gacha pool really surprised me. I should take back some of my previous opinions.]
[That's it? You messaged me just to express your amazement?]
[Aventurine: Of course not. I just wanted to remind you that the mission in Penacony needs to be expedited. Once you've made up your mind, bring that thing to me as soon as possible.]
[OK, we'll talk later. Right now, I need to go explain my skills.]
She closed the chat interface.
Topaz gently patted Numby, who was sitting beside her.
"Ready, Numby?"
"Then let's begin."
She pressed the holographic projection button.
In an instant.
Topaz and Numby's perspective shifted.
Through holographic projection.
They appeared on the stage of the grand auditorium!
The audience.
Erupted into a tsunami of cheers!
"Director Topaz!!!"
"Director Topaz!!!"
Topaz raised her hands, signaling for everyone to quiet down.
The seats below were packed with people, each adorned with the emblem of the Interastral Peace Corporation. From Topaz's vantage point on the stage, it looked like a sea of stars.
"Everyone, today we won't be discussing traditional rules and concepts."
"What I'm going to talk about is Yu Ling's design of the character [Topaz] in the game Honkai: Star Rail, and the deeper meaning behind the skill effects as envisioned by the developers!"
"As we all know."
"The Strategic Investment Department can help you promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, empower products through trade alliances, and achieve sustainable regional economic growth!"
"And the design philosophy of the character [Topaz] in the game is the same."
"Everyone, please look—"
On the big screen.
A scene of Topaz and Numby entering battle appeared.
"[The Investor Who Makes Dreams Come True], [The Debt Collector Who Takes Back the Umbrella in the Rain]… These are the external evaluations of me…"
"Some good, some bad, but I believe in this one aspect, they will all agree—"
"Mature investment concepts and professional expertise!"
"Only by meeting this standard can you achieve such seamless coordination with an adorable Trotter."
Topaz spoke with confidence.
The spotlight on the stage shone on her face.
Making her seem to sparkle!
The employees below were also fired up!
"This is what you call professionalism!"
"She can actually explain Yu Ling's character design intent? And even deduce the developers' deeper meaning? Wow, Director Topaz is truly something! She's studied her in-game self inside and out!"
"If you hadn't said it, I wouldn't have known that Topaz and Numby's character design also embodies the core philosophy of the Strategic Investment Department…"
"Incredible! So even our company's employees have been noticed by Yu Ling!"
At this moment.
On the big screen.
Topaz's Skill was being showcased.
Topaz explained, "As a member of the [Special Debt Enforcement Team], the ability to enforce is naturally essential."
"As you can see in the footage."
"The Skill is called [Difficulty Paying?], which causes a designated enemy unit to enter a [Proof of Debt] state, increasing the damage they take from Follow-Up Attacks."
"Then Numby is thrown out, dealing Fire attribute Follow-Up Attack damage to that single target."
Beside Topaz.
Numby crossed its front paws.
Also basking in the spotlight.
It struck a pose with its arms crossed.
Letting out a series of "squeak squeak squeak" sounds.
Meaning, "Take my super headbutt!"
At this moment.
This live broadcast was naturally being watched by countless other players outside.
Upon hearing Topaz's introduction.
The players in the live stream were instantly shocked!
Then came the overwhelming joy!
They excitedly flooded the chat with messages!
...
"Follow-Up Attack Damage Boost? Oh my! Finally, we see such a description!"
"Our dear Jing Yuan's support teammate... has finally arrived!"
"With Fu Xuan in the survival role, Jing Yuan won't be controlled anymore, and he'll never crash again! And now, with Topaz joining as the breakthrough teammate, is this the takeoff we've been waiting for?"
"I never expected to see Jing Yuan get stronger in today's era where Destruction DPS is so rampant!"
"Feast! This time, we're finally feasting!"
"Our Jing Yuan players are standing tall again!"
...
Inside the auditorium.
Topaz began introducing her Ultimate.
"The battlefield is like the market, ever-changing."
"As an outstanding investor, one must strike at the most opportune moment to maximize profits!"
"The Ultimate [Turn Losses into Gains] is crafted with this philosophy in mind."
"Upon activation, it can put Numby into the [Staggering Surge!] state, increasing its damage multiplier and CRIT Damage..."
"Moreover, when an enemy target under the [Proof of Debt] status is hit by a Basic Attack, Skill, or Ultimate, Numby's actions will be advanced."
Below.
The employees immediately erupted in exclamations!
"Just this visual alone makes me want to pull! The effect of this surge is so satisfying to watch!"
"As an investor, I absolutely love the effect of this Ultimate!"
"I feel like after pulling Topaz and Numby, I can turn losses into gains in the stock market and hit the limit up!"
Soon.
After finishing the introduction of her skills and mechanics.
Topaz gave a slight bow to the audience below.
Concluding with, "Everyone, remember this."
"High risk brings high reward."
"From an objective and rational perspective, I would of course advise everyone to observe for a while before making a decision."
"Whether to pull for this character depends on your character roster, personal budget, and other factors..."
As soon as she said this.
The employees below grew anxious.
"Director Topaz, how could we not pull for you!!"
"The first 5-star character of our own company! The value is unquestionable!"
"Miss Topaz is so charming! If it weren't for her still being in the company, I would have resigned long ago!"
"So professional! The secret is that you can also open treasure chests and find Trotters! Lead us to wealth!"
Hearing the cheers from below.
On the stage.
Topaz smiled slightly.
And said, "From my personal perspective."
"My advice is..."
"Pull! All employees, pull hard!"
"The character Topaz is bound to have a bright future! Make the investment you deem most suitable!"
The entire venue erupted in continuous cheers!!
Fireworks exploded in the air!
Golden ribbons fell from all directions.
The atmosphere at the scene reached its peak!
All the employees.
Felt their blood boiling! Their passion ignited!
They couldn't wait to return to their posts and work overtime for a week straight!
After receiving their bonuses.
They would pour everything into Honkai: Star Rail.
To pull for Topaz's Light Cone and Eidolons!
After all!
This is a character personally endorsed and introduced by Director Topaz!!
Follow Director Topaz!
Guaranteed profits, no losses!.