NAMELESS SUNDAY THEORY!!
TL;DR:
Sunday shows signs of becoming a permanent member of the Astral Express, with his voicelines and assets suggesting he’ll embrace trailblazing. His inclusion seems planned by HoYoverse, and concerns about team dynamics are unfounded.
So if you finished the 2.7 quest Sunday will board the Astral express. However, the question remains: Will he become a permanent member? I believe he will. There is compelling evidence to suggest that Sunday will join the Astral Express as a permanent member. The clues range from in game details to official text changes, creating a solid foundation for this theory.
When Sunday is added to the party, the Trailblazer has a specific voiceline directed at him. This is noteworthy because the Trailblazer only has voicelines for Astral Express family members, such as Dan Heng, March 7th, Himeko, and Welt. Temporary characters like Black Swan and Firefly do not receive such interactions, placing Sunday in a unique position that aligns him more closely with the Express crew
Sunday’s Conversations with Welt:
Sunday's journey toward becoming a permanent member of the Astral Express is subtly foreshadowed through his gradual realization of what it means to trailblaze. In the 2.7 quest, Sunday asks Welt what it means to trailblaze, and Welt’s answer, “Each individual will have their own view of what it means to walk this path, and will always try their best, no matter the situation,” hints that the act of trailblazing is personal and unique to each individual.
Later, Sunday himself requests permission from Welt to join the Astral Express, saying, “While I lack the will to Trailblaze, nor can I become a true Nameless.” At this point, Sunday doesn’t fully realize that he is already walking the path of a trailblazer. His line about opening a precious treasure, “This kind of trailblazing... is truly novel,” signals that, though he is still unaware of it, he is actively participating in the trailblazing journey. It hints that Sunday is already on the path to becoming a trailblazer he just hasn’t realized it yet.
Moreover, the MC’s line, “An unexpected sight... but this is also what it means to Trailblaze,” suggests that they too see Sunday as part of this journey, helping him to eventually understand what it means to be a trailblazer. As Sunday continues his journey, it becomes clear that he is on the path to realizing his role as a member of the Astral Express, solidifying his place in the crew.
Sunday’s Faction Listing on Hoyolab:
Initially, on the Hoyolab Thai version, Sunday’s faction currently listed as Astral Express, not Penacony. In the English version, it was first displayed as “Penacony | Astral Express” (they changed it to just Penacony). This discrepancy and the initial mention of Astral Express seem intentional, possibly teasing Sunday’s future affiliation.
Addressing the 2.7 Quest Interaction and Sunday’s Permanent Role on the Astral Express
For those who believe that the final interaction in the 2.7 quest was simply a survey from HoYoverse to gauge whether Sunday would become a permanent member of the Astral Express, it's important to remember that the story for Honkai: Star Rail is typically planned and written well in advance of its release.
Given that Sunday already has an Astral Express ticket in his texture, as confirmed by dataminers, it's likely that HoYoverse had already decided his fate as a permanent member of the crew long before this quest. The inclusion of the ticket, which is closely associated with the Astral Express, strongly implies that Sunday was always intended to become part of the crew, solidifying his role in the game's future storylines.
Thus, the 2.7 quest interaction may have simply been a part of Sunday’s narrative arc to help players connect with his character and understand his path toward realizing his true place among the Trailblazers. His lines and development throughout the story reinforce this idea, and his eventual membership in the Astral Express feels like a natural progression.
Addressing Concerns About Sunday Joining the Astral Express
Some players express concern that Sunday’s inclusion in the Astral Express might disrupt the existing dynamic of the crew. However, it’s important to note that the Trailblazer, too, was an outsider who interrupted the pre-existing family dynamic of the Astral Express. The crew, consisting of Dan Heng, March 7th, and Himeko, had their established roles and relationships before the Trailblazer’s arrival. Yet, the crew was able to accept and integrate the Trailblazer, who became an essential member of the team.
This comparison highlights that the inclusion of new members, even those with very different backgrounds or goals, is a recurring theme in Honkai: Star Rail. Rather than disrupting the group’s dynamics, new members like the Trailblazer often add new perspectives and growth opportunities for the entire crew.
Thus, the argument that Sunday would disrupt the existing Astral Express crew dynamic is not valid. It overlooks the fluid and evolving nature of the group, where every new member, whether through choice or circumstance, contributes to the team's growth. Just as the Trailblazer found their place among the family, Sunday would likely do the same, bringing new perspectives and experiences to the table.
Disclaimer:
This theory and analysis are based on the current in-game lore, character interactions, and data available. While there are strong indications suggesting Sunday’s potential as a permanent member of the Astral Express, it is important to remember that any future story developments or official announcements from HoYoverse may alter or expand upon these speculations. This theory is not confirmed by HoYoverse and should be considered as a fan interpretation of the narrative possibilities.
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