The Gamer who traveled to Honkai: Star Rail

The Doomsday Beast was advancing toward the city, but its true target wasn't the city itself—it was the trash can situated just outside the city limits.

Yes, because on this planet, the power of preservation radiating from that trash can was unparalleled. No exaggeration, even the destructive forces harbored within celestial bodies paled in comparison to its defensive might.

After all, the Aeon of Destruction had only glanced at Stelle, casually leaving behind a Light Cone. But this trash can? It had endured a direct blow and emerged unscathed, even adding a +1 to the Amber Era.

Such a mighty presence of Preservation's essence naturally drew the Doomsday Beast's attention. As the beast reached the area, it unleashed waves of devastating attacks in an attempt to flush out the Pathstrider who wielded this incredible power and destroy them.

Unfortunately, the Doomsday Beast couldn't fathom that the source of this immense power wasn't even a person. It was, in fact, an inanimate trash can—something that didn't even possess the most basic ability to move.

A trash can imbued with Preservation's power? This was nearly on par with a caterpillar blessed with the Path of Elation. As the radiant energy from the trash can illuminated the ground, the Doomsday Beast's onslaught caused massive destruction, yet the power of Preservation remained undiminished. The "Pathstrider" it sought did not appear.

To make matters worse, the Doomsday Beast itself sustained minor injuries from its relentless attacks. While such injuries weren't significant, since it could regenerate its body instantly using antimatter, the damage only fueled its growing fury. It continued to assault the area around the trash can with frenzied aggression.

Trash cans—those humble objects frequently overturned by players searching for loot—weren't always so easy to destroy. On a certain continent called Arad, a bar corner housed a trash can that had withstood countless attacks from adventurers, even surviving the mightiest blows from its strongest patrons. A mere Doomsday Beast? It wasn't even worth the trash can's attention.

What? Trash cans don't have eyes? Then there's no issue here.

However, with every attack the Doomsday Beast launched, it seemed to imagine a trash can crossing its nonexistent arms and slapping it across the face.

Why? Why could it visualize a trash can with phantom limbs delivering non-existent slaps?

Regrettably, the Doomsday Beast wasn't known for its deep thoughts.

Meanwhile, far away in a small grove, Pei Guang, Stelle, March 7th, and Elysia were crouched, watching the Doomsday Beast flail about in futile rage.

Elysia couldn't believe what she was seeing. A creature capable of effortlessly annihilating an entire city was wildly attacking empty space? And even stranger, its attacks seemed weaker than expected.

Shaking her head, she corrected herself. It wasn't that the Doomsday Beast had grown weaker—it was this planet that had become stronger. 

With the blessing of the Aeon of Preservation, a force so pure it could catch even the Amber Lord's attention, it was now protecting it. Against such power, even the Doomsday Beast's destruction was insignificant.

Watching the beast furiously tear apart the ground in search of the trash can, March 7th curiously asked, "Ah Guang, why does this Doomsday Beast look so… dumb? Is it just attacking empty space?"

Pei Guang replied calmly, "It's not attacking empty space. It's targeting the area where we planted our trash can. That thing enhances structures."

Stelle looked confused. "Enhances structures? But there's nothing built around there."

Pei Guang pointed to the ground beneath them. "You're standing on one."

March 7th blinked in confusion. "Huh? A planet counts as a structure?"

Pei Guang nodded confidently. "Of course it does. Why wouldn't it? Just like a galaxy is still technically a river, a planet is a structure too. It houses people, withstands cosmic threats, provides food and water, and, most importantly, it's my property. How could it not count?"

Stelle & March 7th: "?"

This peculiar yet wonderful way of explaining things made both Stelle and March 7th accept it quickly. After all, it was Pei Guang who said it—if he declared it and it was happening in reality, they might as well take it as truth.

Pei Guang said, "No big deal, just think of this trash can as having the same function as a territory stone. Honestly, I'm already thinking of heading back to Belobog to restock. If there's a chance, I'd like to ask the Aeon of Preservation to pour more power into my trash can. Worst case, we'll tie up Qlipoth one day and have it smack our can every day. Tsk, such a great tool, yet we can't mass-produce it—what a waste."

March 7th sighed, "It's a good thing there's no IPC personnel around. If they heard you, they'd probably fight you to the death."

Pei Guang smirked, "Perfect, then their lives are mine, and so are their bodies!"

Stelle chimed in, "Nicely said! But Ah Guang, are we just going to stand here and watch? How are we going to deal with this Doomsday Beast?"

Pei Guang pondered for a moment. "Since we have the trash can taunting the Doomsday Beast and buying us time, I have an idea. I've got a mobile construction vehicle, plenty of weapons and equipment, and even though Elysia's soldiers were mostly reassigned, there should still be a few left. That might be enough."

Elysia thought carefully for a moment before making a decision. "Give me an hour. Within that time, Fire Moth's elite warriors will arrive. They're far more experienced than regular troops, and they'll be bringing reinforcements. You can take command of them."

Pei Guang asked, "No loyalty issues, right? I don't want to be fighting on the frontlines while the rear shuts down the power or deactivates the weapons."

March 7th raised an eyebrow. "Ah Guang, your PTSD about betrayal is showing again. What kind of backstabbing have you even been through? Just hearing you say that makes me feel bad for you."

Pei Guang reflected. "It's like I said earlier—frontlines stretched thin while the rear indulges themselves. From primitive tribes to interstellar wars, I've seen it all, even in the gossip of real life. It's not the soldiers or the people who lack loyalty—it's the leadership, only looking out for themselves while treating soldiers as disposable tools to fatten their own wallets."

Elysia placed her hand gently on Pei Guang's shoulder. "Don't worry. Fire Moth's warriors fight to repel invaders and save this planet. I can sense that you're a good person, Ah Guang. The troops will surely be willing to follow you and strive for a truly peaceful life. If there are any Fire Moth members who try to exploit this situation for their desires or power, feel free to handle them as you see fit."