Honkai: Star Rail - Shackles Paradise

Himeko’s eyes fluttered open, and the first sensation as consciousness returned wasn't a headache or panic, but an intensely familiar, subtly ironic elegance, coupled with the cool, metallic touch on her wrists and ankles. She found herself seated in a metal-backed chair, clearly dragged from some discarded equipment nearby, surprisingly clean. But what held her captive wasn't rough rope, but rather gleaming, technologically advanced alloy restraints that pulsed with a cold, blue light. The shackles were designed with a chilling precision, conforming perfectly to her wrists and ankles. Their edges were smooth, devoid of any burrs, clearly engineered to prevent skin abrasion. Her wrists were cuffed behind the chair back in a standard "reverse-handcuff" position, forcing her upper body into a slight forward lean, yet miraculously avoiding any undue strain on her joints. A chain of the same material, perfectly sized, connected the ankle restraints to the chair's legs, utterly stripping her of the freedom to stand. The cold metal created a stark visual contrast with the cuff of her usual red dress and her smooth skin, radiating a potent tension of confinement and vulnerability. "Awake so quickly, Navigator. It seems the space station's air conditioning is more invigorating than I anticipated." The lazy, slightly teasing voice drifted from her front left. Kafka sat not far from Himeko, perched on a similarly makeshift low stool. She crossed her legs, her posture as relaxed as if attending a tea party rather than a kidnapping. In her hand, she even held a... steaming white porcelain coffee cup? A comically stylized Svarog pattern adorned its surface. "Kafka..." Himeko's voice was calm, betraying little of the panic one might expect from a kidnapping, instead carrying a hint of annoyance at being disturbed. "Turning the Black Swan Station's spare parts storage into your private salon? And employing the 'Stellarons Hunters'' custom-made... 'Lady's Restraints'? Your taste, as always, is uniquely perplexing." Her gaze swept over the restraints on her wrists, her tone conveying a knowing "I should have expected this" and a subtle jab at the exaggerated formality. "Lady's Restraints? I do like that name." Kafka took a delicate sip of her coffee, emitting a contented sigh. "Highly functional, aesthetically pleasing, and most importantly—" She set down the cup, leaning forward slightly, her violet eyes glinting with mischief. "—they won't actually harm a single hair on your distinguished head, Navigator. Elio's script requires your 'temporary pause,' not your 'injured exit.'" "Oh? And Elio's script now includes illegal confinement and unauthorized entry into a space station?" Himeko attempted to shift her wrists. The cushioning inside the restraints prevented the metal from digging into her skin, but the locked mechanism remained unyielding, responding only with a faint whir of internal mechanics to her movements. Abandoning physical struggle, she turned to verbal sparring. "Or is this merely your personal... some indescribable 'interest,' Ms. Kafka?" She extended a finger, gently brushing a stray strand of red hair from Himeko's cheek. The touch was as soft as if handling fragile porcelain, a stark contrast to the cold restraints she had imposed. Himeko didn't flinch, her sharp gaze fixed on Kafka, as if silently conveying: *You'll regret this.* Kafka seemed to relish the silent threat, chuckling softly. "Don't worry, these 'Lady's Restraints' have a built-in timed release. Perfectly safe. They'll unlock automatically before you feel 'uncomfortable.' Consider it... a brief, mandatory rest? After all, Navigators are always so busy." With that, Kafka seemed to melt into the shadows, vanishing from the storage room doorway as silently as she had appeared. All that remained was the half-finished coffee cup, adorned with the comical Svarog, still radiating a faint warmth, and the lingering, almost imperceptible scent of perfume in the air. Himeko remained alone in the silent storage room, her body securely fastened to the chair by the high-tech restraints. She tried moving her wrists and ankles again. The cold metal was still firm, but as Kafka had said, aside from restricting her freedom, there was no actual pain. She could even feel a soft cushioning layer on the inside of the restraints. "Mandatory rest... heh." Himeko murmured, a wry smile touching her lips. The smile was a complex blend of annoyance at being outmaneuvered, amusement at Kafka's absurd methods, and a hint of understanding, which she was reluctant to admit, for this twisted form of "understanding." She closed her eyes, perhaps to conserve energy, perhaps to contemplate how to elegantly "repay" Kafka for this unique "care." The fingers of her cuffed hands tapped unconsciously against the smooth metal surface, emitting a faint, rhythmic *tap-tap-tap* that echoed in the empty storage room. "Station Manager Himeko... I hope your surveillance system performs better this time. What a shame for this new outfit." She sighed, her voice barely audible, suppressing the restlessness within. The absurd tea party of abduction had temporarily concluded, leaving behind only the meticulously restrained Navigator and a half-empty cup of cooling coffee. And... a pink, vibrating, peculiar creation beneath Himeko's skirt. The silence was shattered by the sharper, more urgent "beep, beep, beep!" alarm from the silver wolf's collar. She clearly hadn't given up struggling, her fingers, stuffed into the giant "game controller" restraint, frantically pressed against the limited transparent energy barrier, as if operating a non-existent keyboard. Her hair, due to her continuous rage (and the slight electric shock from earlier), stood out even more. "Aaaah! I'm so angry! My limited edition gear! My MVP! My teammates must be calling me a bot now!" The silver wolf raged impotently at the air, her voice distorted by the collar's restraint and her anger. "It's all you! It's this damn space station! It's this damn..." Her gaze swept over Himeko and Asta, especially noticing Himeko's relatively "intact" azure shackles. A wicked fire ignited within her. "And you! Himeko!" The silver wolf snapped her head around, glaring at Himeko with fierce eyes. "If I hadn't been trying to track your damn tea party, would I have joined the team?! Would I have been caught by that old hag Herta... cough!" Her game! My account! It's all ruined!" The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Her arms, trapped in the "game controller," thrashed uselessly, the giant restraint emitting dull thuds. Himeko met the silver wolf's furious gaze calmly, her tone laced with a hint of mockery. "Oh? So the top hacker of the Stellaron Hunters, distracted by a game, exposed herself, and now she's going to shift the blame to... her victims who were illegally detained?" She subtly shifted her cuffed wrists, the azure shackles emitting a faint mechanical whir. "Your logic is truly as 'outstanding' as your gaming skills." "You!" Struck at her sore spot, the silver wolf exploded in anger. The fingers of her only free hand, restricted by the restraint gloves, suddenly moved across the transparent energy barrier in front of her at an incredibly bizarre speed and angle! Her fingertips trailed faint afterimages of data streams! She wasn't operating a physical device, but utilizing the weak signal interface built into the collar and restraint gloves, which Himeko used for "anti-addiction warnings"! "You say my logic is poor? My gaming skills are trash?" The silver wolf gritted her teeth, her fingers dancing faster, her eyes flashing with the near-madness characteristic of a hacker. "Let you taste the 'upgraded service' too! Himeko! And that pink-haired station master! Neither of you will have an easy time! A hacker's revenge is inescapable!" "Command: Overload - Restraint Upgrade Protocol!" The silver wolf silently uttered the command, her fingertips pressing down sharply! *Buzz—!* The azure "lady's shackles" on Himeko's wrists and ankles instantly erupted with blinding blue light! The originally smooth alloy surface seemed to come alive, countless fine nano-level alloy threads growing wildly like vines, coiling and thickening! The shackles, which had originally just fit snugly around her wrists, expanded and deformed within seconds, creeping up to cover her entire forearms, down to her elbows, and even extending towards her shoulders! The structure of the shackles became incredibly complex and heavy, with additional energy clasps popping out at the joints, enclosing her entire upper body, including her elegant neck, in a **cold, heavy, angular azure alloy restraint cuirass**! The cuirass firmly "welded" her to the back of the metal chair, rendering even the slightest movement impossible! "Ugh!" Caught off guard, Himeko grunted as the sudden, heavy restraint tightened around her, completely losing control of her body, only her head able to turn with difficulty. Simultaneously, the pink and white heart-shaped "bracelets" on Asta's wrists and the "anklets" on her ankles also emitted a soft pink glow. But this time, the light was no longer dreamy, but carried a disturbing sense of penetration. The pink and white alloy softened and flowed like melting candy, rapidly covering her un-restrained arms and legs! Forming a **tight-fitting, semi-transparent gel-like pink and white "restraint bodysuit"**! This gel substance, while seemingly soft, possessed astonishing binding power, completely solidifying her posture on the stool, making even a single finger impossible to bend! Even more outrageously, countless tiny, flickering pixelated "game over" icons (skulls, red crosses) appeared on the surface of the gel, as if branding her with shame! "Waa... What is this! It's sticky! It feels so uncomfortable!" Asta cried out in horror, looking at her arms and legs encased like a "pink and white jelly person." She struggled futilely, but the gel remained motionless, and the flickering "game over" icons were blindingly conspicuous. "Silver... wolf!" Kafka, witnessing the drastic changes happening to Himeko and Asta, especially Himeko's restraint that had instantly transformed into something akin to heavy-duty criminal armor, her usually languid voice carried a clear hint of anger for the first time. She tried to move, but the hover platform beneath her feet and the arm restraints on her body held her firmly in place. "Do you know what you're doing?!" "I'm getting revenge!" The silver wolf retorted, her neck stiff. Despite being stuffed into the "game controller," seeing Himeko and Asta's plight, a twisted, triumphant smile spread across her face. "Revenge for the game is irreconcilable! Hahaha... Huh?!" Her laughter abruptly stopped. Because Himeko's gaze, like a cold blade, had locked onto her. Even though she was immobilized by the heavy azure restraint cuirass, the dignity of the Astral Express's navigator in Himeko's eyes, and a hint of cold fury from being thoroughly enraged, sent a chill down the silver wolf's spine. "Very well." Himeko's voice, muffled by the heavy restraint cuirass, sounded somewhat dull, but the coldness within it was clearly audible. "It seems the space station's 'hospitality' wasn't profound enough. Since you like 'upgraded services'..." Her gaze swept over the silver wolf's "game controller" restraint and Kafka's arm restraints, "As a return gift, I'll help the two of you... 'optimize' your experience." Himeko's hands, cuffed behind her back, though unable to move within the heavy cuirass, her fingertips tapped the cold alloy inner wall with an extremely subtle, specific frequency—that was the Astral Express's emergency communication Morse code! She wasn't a hacker, but she was an expert in mechanics and engineering! She was using the faint vibrations generated by the tapping to try and interfere with, or even reverse-activate, some of the basic circuits on their restraints left by Herta! **"Command: Overload - Restraint Reinforcement Protocol!"** (Himeko silently chanted) *Zzzzzzt—!* The Herta-exclusive arm restraints and hover platform on Kafka's body suddenly jolted! The energy patterns on the surface of the cylindrical restraint arms instantly became violent, emitting a piercing electrical sound! Even more terrifyingly, the internal structure of the restraint arms seemed to change, with countless tiny mechanical latches popping out, further locking her arms within the cylinders, almost suppressing even the slightest muscle tremor! At the same time, the hover platform beneath her feet suddenly lost its stable anti-gravity, beginning to vibrate irregularly and with small, high-frequency tremors! Making her feel like she was standing on a wildly bouncing ball, completely unable to maintain balance, only able to rely on the connection of the restraint arms and the waist belt to barely stay upright, looking utterly disheveled! Her elegance and composure were completely gone. "Mmmph!" Kafka let out a suppressed gasp, her body uncontrollably swaying with the hover platform's jolts, her violet eyes filled with shock and a hint of flustered anger. The silver wolf's situation was even more dire. The "anti-addiction collar" around her neck flashed red, the warning box instantly expanding to cover almost her entire field of vision, the piercing alarm reaching its peak! Simultaneously, within the giant "game controller" restraint on her hands, the transparent energy barrier areas suddenly **popped out dense, physical, rubberized giant "buttons"**! These buttons precisely blocked the only space where her fingers could move, even pressing against her finger joints! Even more outrageously, two small but absolutely secure **mechanical arms extended from the sides of the collar, forcibly clamping noise-canceling earmuffs over her ears**! Instantly, the world became quiet—except for the warning box flashing wildly and silently in front of her eyes. "Wuu! Wuu! Wuwuwuwu—!" The silver wolf's eyes widened in terror. She wanted to curse, but her mouth was blocked by the front of the giant "game controller," only muffled whimpers escaping. Her fingers were firmly pressed by the rubber buttons, her ears were plugged, and only the glaring warning box remained in her vision... She had completely lost all channels for resistance and venting, like a doll forcibly silenced and disconnected from the internet, only her eyes, filled with despair and rage, blinking frantically. In the storage room, the situation had completely spiraled out of control, turning into an absurd "shackle arms race": Himeko: Encased in a heavy azure alloy restraint cuirass, welded to the chair, only her head able to turn with difficulty. Asta: Completely solidified on the low stool by a pink and white gel-like "restraint bodysuit," her body covered in flickering "game over" icons, like a failed pixel figure. Kafka: Her arms further locked within the violently enhanced arm restraints, standing on a wildly vibrating hover platform, swaying and shaking, her elegance utterly lost. "It shouldn't be locked, but please be careful..." Before the word "careful" could even leave her lips, a loud "CRASH" echoed from outside the door – clearly, in her haste, Asta had shouldered it open! "Ms. Himeko! You..." Asta burst in, a small energy pistol (more like an accessory) in hand, her pink curls slightly disheveled from her run. Her eyes immediately fell upon Himeko, cuffed behind her chair, and the pair of alloy shackles on Himeko's wrists and ankles, emitting a cold blue light, exuding a sense of advanced technology and confinement. "Kafka!" Asta snarled, her gaze darting warily around the cluttered storage room. "What did she do to you? These... these shackles..." "As you can see, a 'forced rest.' Asta, listen to me, there might be..." Himeko sighed helplessly. However, Asta's attention was already captured by a conspicuous object in the center of the storage room – a square gift box, wrapped with exceptional care and adorned with a giant pink bow. It sat on the floor not far in front of Himeko. The box appeared to be made of some high-grade matte metal, etched with cute stars and rabbit patterns using a laser. Next to the box sat a pink, bubbly drink with a tiny paper umbrella inserted, clearly some kind of synthetic juice. "What is this?" Asta frowned. Cautiously, she didn't approach immediately, but her eyes were filled with curiosity and a... a girl's instinctive desire to explore a "gift." "Don't touch it!" Himeko warned sharply, her voice laced with unusual urgency. "That's definitely Kafka's..." Too late. Asta's gaze was drawn to a small screen on the side of the gift box, playing a very short, looping animation: a pixelated pink rabbit hopping cheerfully, accompanied by flashing text: "To the cutest Station Master~ Unwrap quickly for a surprise! (≧▽≦)" This trap, perfectly hitting Asta's girlish heart and curiosity, combined with the overly cute packaging and enticing words, made her instinctively ignore Himeko's warning. She even subconsciously lowered her rather unthreatening energy pistol and took a step closer to the gift box, extending a finger to gently poke the center of the giant pink bow. *Click!* A faint sound, like a toy switch being pressed, echoed. In an instant, the exquisite gift box, like an activated Rubik's Cube, sprang open upwards, disassembled, and reassembled! The speed was so great that only a pink blur remained in the air. Asta didn't even have time to gasp. Her vision blurred, and a gentle yet utterly irresistible restraint enveloped her wrists and ankles simultaneously. A subtle force pushed her body backward! "Eek—!" Asta cried out, stumbling and landing beside Himeko – on a low stool that had also appeared out of nowhere, padded with soft cushions. Her hands were gently but firmly pulled behind her back, clasped at her waist. Her ankles were brought together and secured. The entire process was smooth, silent, and even a little... elegant? The shackles that bound her were revealed! These were not the cold, high-tech blue alloy Himeko wore. What restrained Asta was a completely different style of "artwork": the main material was a matte, pinkish-white alloy, warm to the touch, devoid of any metallic chill, more like high-grade ceramic. At the joints and lock points, sparkling, transparent pink decorations, resembling crystals or high-purity energy crystals, were inlaid. The design: The wrist shackles were designed as wide, "cuffs" with hollowed-out heart patterns, perfectly conforming to the curve of her wrists, with smooth, rounded edges. The ankle restraints resembled decorative anklets, also featuring small bas-reliefs of stars and rabbits. The chains connecting the wrists and ankles were extremely short, woven from slender yet incredibly durable pink alloy threads that shimmered with a pearlescent luster, ensuring she could only maintain a relatively upright but absolutely immobile seated position (almost a cross-legged pose). Connection: The wrist "cuffs" were fastened behind her back by an intricate bow-shaped lock, inlaid with pink crystals, elegantly securing her hands behind her waist. The "anklets" extended two thin chains that locked directly onto the legs of the low stool. This entire restraint system was integrated, less like a torture device and more like a custom-made, high-end bondage accessory tailored to Asta's girlish fantasies. Visual Impact: The soft pink and white colors harmonized with her pink hair and the exquisite dress she usually wore (now slightly creased from her fall). The sparkling crystal decorations refracted dreamlike light points in the dim storage room. And yet, this extremely sweet and dreamy appearance created an explosive, absurd contrast with her current state of complete loss of freedom! This intense visual conflict was even more impactful than Himeko's cold, high-tech shackles – it achieved the most thorough confinement in the most adorable way. "What... what is this?!" Asta struggled, a mixture of shame and anger. However, the seemingly slender chains and the pinkish-white "cuffs" remained unmoving. The internal cushioning meant her struggles caused no pain, only a slight sense of restraint and... a feeling of meticulously packaged helplessness. She was like a doll carefully tied up with pink ribbons. "Welcome to the 'Tea Party,' Station Master Asta." Himeko's voice carried a deep sense of helplessness and a hint of predictable understanding. She didn't even turn to look at Asta, her gaze still fixed on the storage room entrance. "It seems Kafka has prepared... a matching 'afternoon tea experience' for us." Herta's small face flushed red, wanting to retort, but the tight ribbon around her waist and the one constricting her neck only allowed her to emit muffled "mmph" sounds. The shame and indignation in her eyes were almost palpable flames. The five outside: "........." The scene before them, beyond their wildest imaginations, instantly doused their anger, replacing it with a profound sense of absurdity and... a hint of schadenfreude? Especially seeing the once-arrogant Herta kneeling on the ground, bound like this! "Pfft..." March 7th was the first to break, covering her mouth and letting out a short, suppressed giggle. Though she quickly stifled it, her shoulders still trembled. Asta's eyes widened, her small mouth agape, as if wanting to say something but not knowing where to begin. C&P exchanged a glance, seeing the same shock and a hint of "what goes around comes around" in each other's eyes. Silver Wolf, on the other hand, grinned widely, a broad, vengeful smile spreading across her face: "Ha! Serves you right!" However, just as the five were stunned by the dramatic turn of events, their guard lowered to its absolute minimum— *Swish swish swish swish*—! Countless bio-ribbons emitting the same soft, blue-green luminescence, like long-dormant living vines, shot out without warning from the ceiling, wall crevices, and even the floor beneath their feet! They moved with lightning speed, their targets clear—the five of them! "Watch out!" Himeko was the first to react, her sharp warning coming too late! These bio-ribbons seemed to possess intelligence, precisely wrapping around each person's key joints: Himeko: The ribbons instantly bound her wrists and ankles, which she had just freed, her arms pulled back behind her. The binding method possessed an Eastern aesthetic, almost artistic in its elegance. Asta: The ribbons gently but irresistibly wrapped around her waist and legs, immobilizing her in a slightly stiff standing posture. March 7th: The ribbons playfully coiled around her arms, crossing them in front of her chest, and even tied a delicate bow on her wrists (?), making her look like a wrapped gift. Kafka: The ribbons, like elegant satin, coiled around her wrists, crossing them in front of her, and weaving intricate patterns on her arms, as if adorning her with bio-bracelets, both restraining and exuding a strange beauty. Silver Wolf: The ribbons seemed to have a special "concern" for her, not only binding her hands and feet but also several wrapping around her neck (not tight, but with a strong presence), and even looping twice around her head like a bizarre bio-headband, making her fur stand on end. Fully automated bio-restraint! The entire process occurred in the blink of an eye! The five were unable to even make an effective counter-attack before being firmly bound by these incredibly flexible ribbons, which carried a cool, living touch, their hands and feet (and for some, waist and neck) completely immobilized! They were like five art pieces suddenly frozen in place, each in a different pose, but all entwined by the same blue-green luminescent ribbons. "Mmph!" "Yelp!" "Whoa!" "Tsk!" "Damn!" The five simultaneously let out gasps or curses, struggling with all their might. And these bio-ribbons, like living creatures, tightened and became more complex the more they struggled, as if reinforcing themselves. Within them, there seemed to be a gentle bio-electric stimulation that caused their muscles to tingle slightly, preventing them from exerting full force, yet causing no substantial harm. Ruan Mei slowly turned around, facing the five bound figures at the entrance. Her gaze calmly swept over each person's restraint, as if inspecting her work. "Detected high-energy emotional fluctuation sources (anger, shock, schadenfreude) entering the area. According to the preset 'Environmental Stress Restraint Protocol,' initiating secondary 'Bio-Field Stabilization Program.' Targets: Himeko, Asta, March 7th, Kafka, Silver Wolf. Restraint efficacy evaluation: Qualified." Her gaze finally settled on Herta, who was kneeling on the ground, also bound. "Including primary target Herta. Collection: Complete." "Ruan Mei! What are you doing! Let us go at once!" Asta exclaimed, a mixture of shock and anger in her voice. "Ms. Ruan Mei, isn't this... a bit too extreme?" Himeko attempted to communicate calmly. "Hey! Ice block! Untie us! Or I'll hack into your lab!" Silver Wolf threatened while struggling. "Waaah... Sister Ruan Mei... we're innocent!" March 7th whined pitifully. Kafka remained silent, her deep gaze fixed on Ruan Mei, as if contemplating the scientist's true intentions. Ruan Mei ignored their questions and protests. She glided forward, stopping before the five bound individuals, then looked at Herta kneeling on the ground. She tilted her head slightly, as if admiring the six "masterpieces" before her, each bound by the same bio-ribbons in different ways, each in a unique posture. "Emotional sample collection: Group chaos, anger, grievance, confusion, forced composure." Ruan Mei murmured to herself, as if recording data. "'Flexible Symbiotic Restraint Sample' stress response and adaptability data in different individuals and emotional states: Supplemented. Good." She raised her hand, her fingertips dancing elegantly once more. More blue-green bio-ribbons grew from the void. This time, they did not tighten the restraints further. Instead, they gently spread and intertwined on the ground around the six, like weaving a nest, quickly forming a massive, softly glowing "cocoon"-like area that enveloped all six of them and the entire entrance to the control center. "Based on current environmental stability requirements and sample observation value," Ruan Mei's voice, ethereal and calm, echoed from within the shimmering bio-cocoon, "I now invite you all to participate in 'Ruan Mei's Harmonious Life-Field Tea Party.' Theme: Contemplation and Observation. Duration: To be determined." "Please," her figure became somewhat indistinct within the glow of the bio-cocoon, "enjoy this... time of being gently embraced by life. It may be beneficial for understanding the essence of 'symbiosis' and 'constraint.'" With that, Ruan Mei's form seemed to melt into the light and disappear. Left behind was the enormous, blue-green luminescent bio-cocoon, and within it, the six "tea party" members, bound tightly in various poses, looking at each other with eyes full of "What the hell is going on?!" Herta (kneeling): Utterly humiliated, her eyes could kill. Himeko (arms bound behind her): Her dignity tinged with deep helplessness and absurdity. Asta (standing immobilized): On the verge of tears, her small face scrunched up. March 7th (arms bound in front, with a bow): A look of bewilderment and the grievance of "Why am I tied up again?!" Kafka (arms entwined): Her gaze complex, a mix of resignation, amusement, and a hint of understanding of Ruan Mei's methods. Silver Wolf (hands, feet, neck, and head bound): Completely enraged, her eyes burning with the fury of "I'm gonna blow this place up!", but her body could only twitch slightly, like an angry caterpillar. Inside the green, luminescent bio-cocoon, six pairs of eyes communicated silently, enacting the final act of this cosmic farce—an ultimate silent bondage tea party, initiated by the genius scientist Ruan Mei, with all participants passively involved, under the guise of "life symbiosis." They truly, none of them, could escape. The temporary detention room at the Bureau of Divination was not as gloomy as the dungeons; instead, it was filled with a peculiar scent—a mixture of counting rods and musty old scrolls. Rays of light filtered through the carved window lattice, casting geometric patterns on the floor and illuminating the fine dust particles slowly drifting through the air. Yet, in this space with its slightly scholarly atmosphere, another, entirely different sound now filled the air—the dull clang of metal against metal and against the floor, along with the “clatter” of fine chains rubbing against one another. Zi, March 7, and Xing—the three “suspected Abundance spies” from the Starry Sky Train—were sitting on cold stone benches in an extremely inelegant posture. The heavy, coldly gleaming metal shackles on their wrists and ankles were the “standard issue” model of the Immortal Vessel Cloud Cavalry. Even the slightest movement triggered a loud chain reaction. “Ugh…” March 7th tried for the umpteenth time to adjust her posture, hoping to make her wrists—shackled behind her back—a little more comfortable, but all she managed was to make the chain on her leg irons clang against the stone floor, sending an echo through the empty room. “These things are way too heavy! And so loud! I mean, do I really look like I could destroy the Immortal Ship?” Her pink hair was slightly disheveled, and her cheeks were faintly flushed from her earlier struggle and her current sense of injustice. The steel handcuffs looked especially massive and cumbersome on her slender wrists, almost sliding down to her elbows. She kept her head down, intently… trying to reach a leaf that had fallen to the ground with her foot, which was shackled by the heavy chains. The shackles restricted how high she could lift her leg; each time, her toes fell just short of the leaf, accompanied by a clinking and clanging sound. Her expression was so calm it bordered on a blank stare, as if she were playing a performance art game that only she understood. She was relatively composed, but her tightly pursed lips and slightly furrowed brow betrayed her extreme dissatisfaction with this “treatment.” Her shackles likewise restricted her movements, preventing her from elegantly crossing her legs or adjusting her appearance as she usually would. Every breath that caused her chest to rise and fall tightened the short chains connecting her wrists and ankles, eliciting a low, metallic groan. She tried to maintain the dignity befitting a train conductor, but this “outfit” made that effort seem particularly difficult and… ridiculous. “Silence!” Fu Xuan’s icy voice rang out as her petite figure appeared in the doorway; the Grand Diviner’s authority was fully accentuated by her elaborate official robes. The Jade Omen Eye suspended behind her slowly rotated, sweeping over the three of them. “I have personally verified the Jade Omen’s predictions and the testimonies from all parties.” Her gaze, sharp as a knife, fell upon the three of them—especially the heavy shackles that looked so out of place on their bodies—and her brow twitched imperceptibly. “There is indeed something amiss regarding the Tingyun incident.” As for She Zhi, it can essentially be confirmed. She paused, seemingly weighing her words. “What you have said… cannot be completely refuted at this time. Just as a glimmer of hope began to rise in the hearts of the three, it was crushed by Fu Xuan’s next words: “However! In these extraordinary times, until the suspicions are cleared, you must remain in custody for observation. Guards!” Two diviners from the Bureau of Divination stepped forward, holding in their hands “instruments of punishment” that were entirely different from the usual— —no longer the rough, heavy military shackles, but several pale golden silk ribbons that emitted a soft, faint glow, as if woven from starlight, along with a few small, exquisite jade clasps. These “Special Edition” restraints from the Bureau of Divination looked far more elegant, but the intricate runes flowing across them suggested their restraining power was by no means inferior. “Fitting them with our Bureau’s ‘Stardust Bindings,’ ” Fu Xuan ordered. “Though these do not cause physical harm, their restraining power is even greater, and they can block the flow of anomalous energy. If they make another reckless move, they’ll only bring trouble upon themselves.” The process of changing the restraints was accompanied by another clatter of metal (as the old shackles were removed) and the rustling of fabric (as the new straps were wrapped around them). Zi gazed at the golden ribbons wrapped around her wrists—cool, smooth to the touch, yet exceptionally resilient—as well as the luminous bands connecting her wrists to her ankles, which possessed a subtle elasticity, and felt a complex mix of emotions. The restraints certainly wouldn’t chafe her skin, but the sensation of being firmly “wrapped” and “pulled” by an invisible force felt more stifling—leaving her with nowhere to brace herself—than the mere weight of the restraints alone. Yue Qi tried to twist her hand from behind to the front, but the ribbon tightened and adjusted as if it were alive, leaving her unable to move. She could only mutter in frustration. Zhe curiously looked down at the beautiful jade clasp on her ankle, seemingly finding it much more attractive than the previous “iron contraption.” With that, Jing Yuan ignored the sudden uproar behind him (mostly Fu Xuan's furious roar, "Jing Yuan, stop right there! Release them!!"), and gracefully turned, leaving with the guards. The heavy stone door slowly closed behind him, cutting off his last infuriating smirk. The moment the door shut, the atmosphere in the detention room completely changed. Eyes, all the resentment, all the pent-up frustration from being shackled, the mistaken arrest, the ruined stockings, the humiliation – it all found the perfect outlet: the two tightly bound Stellaron Hunters on the floor! Kafka felt the almost tangible gazes from all directions and sighed helplessly, adjusting her numb, cuffed arms. She attempted a harmless smile, "Oh my, it seems we're quite popular, Himeko." Himeko merely buried her head lower. "Popular!?" March 7th was the first to jump up (though she couldn't bounce very high with the Stardust Belt restricting her), her pink hair practically standing on end with anger, "Popular, my foot! It's all because of you! And that Silver Wolf! We're stuck here! Wearing these stupid things! I can barely even turn over!" She vigorously shook her wrists, and the Stardust Belt protested with a hum. Tingyun pushed up her non-existent glasses (her hands were bound by the belt), her voice carrying the authority of a Navigator with a hint of suppressed fire, "Ms. Kafka, Silver Wolf's actions have severely disrupted the Astral Express's journey, caused immense chaos on the Xianzhou Luofu, and... our own unnecessary confinement. Therefore, do you have any explanations?" Her high heels (connected by the belt) tapped rhythmically on the floor, as if timing the accusations. Fu Xuan finally found a more direct target than Jing Yuan! Dragging her heavy Cuffs of Iron, she shuffled forward a couple of steps with a clanking sound, the massive "collar" chain dragging heavily with her movement. Her Dharma Eye locked onto Kafka, her voice sharp with anger and the pressure of the shackles, "Stellaron Hunters! You have disrupted the Divination, tampered with military intelligence, causing this Seat... causing the Cloud Knights to mistakenly arrest innocent individuals (she glanced at Sushang and Tingyun), and furthermore, caused this Seat to be imprisoned and suffer this... this utter humiliation!" As she uttered "utter humiliation," the Cuffs of Iron clanged violently with her agitation, emitting a deafening "clang," as if adding weight to her accusations. "Where is Silver Wolf?! Make her come out and speak!" Yukong, though her face was cold and she didn't speak directly, her icy gaze was like a tangible blade, sweeping over Kafka and Himeko. Her Cuffs of Iron and high heels were slightly embedded in the ground due to her stance. Without a word, the pressure of the High-Clearance Master of the Sky-Faring Department and her fury at being "dragged down" spoke volumes. Yunze, with a charming smile and delicate steps (within the limits of her shackles), approached Kafka and crouched down, her knees, encased in flesh-colored stockings, bending elegantly. She extended her shackled, slender fingers and gently tapped the high-tech alloy handcuffs on Kafka's wrists, her voice sweet and soft, yet each word a dagger, "Oh my, sister, your 'little friend' Silver Wolf is quite mischievous. Where else could she hack into, but the Cloud Knights' system, causing our esteemed Diviner to wear the 'collar' 'carefully selected' by the General (she emphasized the word), causing me and Commander Yukong's new stockings (she tugged at the thin, flesh-toned silk around her ankles, pressed by the shackles) to be almost ruined, and making so many beautiful sisters squat in jail with you... Tell me, how should this debt be settled?" She tilted her head, her smile innocent, but her eyes were like poisoned honey. Ruan Mei in the corner wriggled excitedly, "Yes, yes! Settle the score! Let that Silver Wolf come out! Can't she hack? Let her hack into the system and unlock our shackles! And while she's at it... disconnect the General's tea maker!" The golden ribbons on her body tightened with her wriggling. Sushang also mustered her courage, shaking the shackles on her feet. The lace at the top of her white stockings trembled pitifully, "Exactly! My new stockings! The latest 'Cloud-Treading' model! Limited edition! I've only worn them for half a day! And these iron things have already left marks on them! Silver Wolf has to pay for my stockings!" Her complaint carried the unique grievance of a young girl. Bailu calmly added data support, "Based on the analysis of the wear marks, the Cuffs of Iron have caused an irreversible damage rate of 87.3% to the 'Cloud-Treading' brand ultra-thin transparent white stockings, severely affecting their re-wear value and aesthetic appeal. Silver Wolf bears primary responsibility and must compensate with ten pairs of new stockings of equivalent specifications as compensation for experimental wear and tear." Stelle silently watched the "besieged" Kafka, then looked at the indignant crowd around her. Finally, her gaze fell on the Stardust Belt on her own wrist, and she calmly summarized, "...围攻 (Besieged)." Facing the barrage of accusations from multiple angles (dignity, schedule, stockings, silk stockings, material loss, restricted entertainment), and the ubiquitous sound of shackles symbolizing their respective plights (the clang of iron, the hum of belts, the light jingle of ankle rings, the rustle of silk ribbons), even Kafka, who had seen her fair share of storms, found her lazy smile faltering. She looked helplessly in a certain direction (as if there were a camera there), raised her voice, with a hint of coaxing a child, "Silver Wolf... be good, don't hide. Come apologize to everyone? Look how angry you've made all these sisters... especially the Diviner wearing the 'collar' and the Cloud Knight girl who's worried about her stockings?" A sharp burst of static electricity suddenly filled the detention room, followed by a young girl's voice, clearly processed by a voice changer and filled with a strong electronic synthesized tone, emanating from an inconspicuous ventilation grate in the corner of the room (or some temporarily modified sound device). The tone was filled with impatience and a hint of... guilt? "Tch." A perfectly tailored dark green professional skirt suit, her legs encased in **nude pantyhose**, were pressed together, her feet clad in **sharp, dark green stiletto heels**, her posture as precise as a finely tuned business instrument. Pardofelis stood slightly behind her, in a vibrant orange mini-skirt, **energetic warm orange pantyhose** hugging her elastic legs, her feet in practical **flat ankle boots**. The Dimensional Raccoon Dog "Garu" beside her let out an uneasy whimper. Order? No. Sunday slowly shook her head, the golden Wheel of Law flaring brightly. "It is a **shackle**." She raised her hand gently, like a principal conductor, making a **pause** gesture. "Harmony's Final Judgment: Order's Shackles!" Boom! Countless colossal golden beams, condensed from pure "Harmony" will, like spears of judgment, instantly erupted from the Wheel of Law! Their target: Aventurine, Jade, and Topaz! Aventurine reacted fastest, golden chips instantly forming a massive diamond-shaped shield! However, these golden beams were not mere energy impacts; they carried an absolute will of **"conceptual negation"**! The beams easily **pierced** the shield, as if it were a sheet of thin paper! "What?!" Aventurine's pupils contracted. In one second, the thickest golden beam, like an invisible siege hammer, **landed squarely, unceremoniously, on Aventurine's chest!** No explosion, no fire. There was a dull, heart-stopping **"Thud—!"** as if the drumhead of the universe had been struck heavily! Aventurine, along with his astonished expression, instantly transformed into a blurry golden meteor, and at a speed that transcended physical laws, **flew straight back, unyieldingly!** He shattered the dreamlike glass dome at the edge of the "Golden Hour" and disappeared into the boundless starry sky beyond the dreamscape of Penacony like a tiny speck of light! Knocked away with a single punch! Truly living up to his name! "Mr. Aventurine!" Topaz cried out in alarm, instinctively wanting to rush forward, but was precisely restrained in place by another, slightly thinner golden beam! Jade was also locked by a beam! She attempted to mobilize some form of spatial protocol, her gold-rimmed glasses flashing with data streams, but before this absolute "Harmony" will, all resistance was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot! **Targeted and meticulous restraint descended:** **Jade:** **Document Waistband!** A束带 composed of countless rotating, shimmering illusory **"Interastral Peace Corporation Bonds"** with a cold metallic sheen instantly wrapped around her slender waist, tightening with a fierce grip! The numbers and clauses on the documents flickered wildly, exerting immense binding force and an absurd sense of being backlashed by "commercial rules." Beneath the dark green skirt suit, the **nude pantyhose** were **cinched into several distinct and awkward deep creases at the back of her thighs and along her hip line** due to the powerful tightening of the waistband and the tension of her body. Her **sharp dark green stiletto heels**, to maintain balance, were forced into a higher tiptoe posture, her ankles trembling slightly under the heavy, invisible pressure. **The business elite's ensemble × the awkward creases of pantyhose × forced tiptoeing stilettos × the bond document energy waistband**, portraying the competence of an adult woman and her abject state under absolute power to the extreme. **"Credit" Handcuffs!** A uniquely designed, flowing handcuff locked her wrists—not simple rings, but shaped like two **miniature vault doors**, tightly closed, immobilizing her hands in front of her, preventing any fine motor operations (like pushing up her glasses). The shackles were incredibly heavy. **Topaz:** **"Debt" Anklets!** A pair of **ultra-short chain** flowing anklets locked her ankles, the internal glow a constantly flickering **vivid red number** representing a negative balance! The anklets were abnormally heavy. The warm orange pantyhose, full of youthful elasticity, were **stubbornly stretched taut and bulged under the oppressive weight of the anklets, like vibrant balloons**, creating a tense confrontation with the confining shackles. **The youthful vitality of orange pantyhose × the heavy confinement of "debt" anklets × the flat ankle boots symbolizing freedom** (which now offered no mobility). **"Garu" Matching Collar!** A small, flowing collar, also shimmering with red negative numbers, was placed around the Dimensional Raccoon Dog "Garu's" neck! Garu let out a wronged "woop" sound, trying to nudge Topaz with its nose, but was restricted by the collar. **Vitality Restriction Bracelet!** On her wrist was a relatively "loose" flowing bracelet, its internal glow constantly flashing a warning yellow light, as if monitoring her excessive vitality. Take them away. To the deep isolation zone of the 'Sweet Shackles Containment Facility'. Sunday's voice was devoid of emotion, as if she had merely brushed away a few bothersome specks of dust. The Bubble Wall reopened, pushing in Jade and Topaz, both absurdly and meticulously restrained (along with Garu, wearing a matching small collar, looking wronged). The Hound family members who delivered them moved with a cold "efficiency" specific to their treatment of "company representatives." The bubble closed. The space became even more crowded. **A feast of visual contrast erupted in the confined space:** Himeko and Jade, two adult women, stood a few steps apart (each restricted by their respective shackles), their gazes briefly meeting. Himeko's wrists were awkwardly bound to her sides by "Y" shaped shackles, her dark dress; Jade's hands were locked in front of her by "vault door" handcuffs, her dark green skirt suit. Both were **forced to stand on tiptoe in their heels** (Himeko elegantly taut, Jade competently flustered), and their **nude pantyhose** were both cinched by their respective restraints (the weight of the anklets, the document waistband) into **creases indicative of their abject state** (Himeko's above her ankles, Jade's at the back of her thighs and along her hip line). A silent resonance and subtle competition between mature women in an absurd predicament permeated the air. **March 7th, Topaz, Firefly:** The three girls (and one Raccoon Dog) formed another scene. March 7th's **pure white over-the-knee socks** danced beneath colored smoke and short chain anklets; Topaz's **warm orange pantyhose** were **stretched taut and bulged elastically under the pressure of the "debt" anklets**, like a symbol of unyielding vitality; Firefly's **grey pantyhose** (plain and unremarkable) were completely "sealed" by her pair of independently and madly rotating anklets. The three individuals (plus one Raccoon Dog) all shimmered with flowing lights representing different "crimes" (rainbow, red negative numbers, deep purple), their shackles varied, but the vibrant life force of youth (even Firefly's dazed cuteness and Topaz's anger) contrasted sharply with the cold shackles, creating the strongest tragicomedy of youth.