Although Dan Heng did not explain things very clearly, Boothill did not care.
Rather, as allies, the fact that the Astral Express might have formidable strength was something he was happy to see.
He quickly stopped dwelling on the matter and, taking advantage of the registration process, began wandering around the lobby, asking people about things.
Dan Heng was doing the same thing.
In any case, information was always important to a Galaxy Ranger and a High Elder. The more accurate information they had, the fewer mistakes they could make.
After a while, the two met up again.
Boothill said unhappily, "Neither the employees nor the guests know anything about what's happening in the dream. Everywhere we go, everyone's getting along happily... If you ask me, this is definitely not a good sign."
"I agree," Dan Heng said. "There's another strange thing. Among the five families governing Penacony, the Oak Family is the organizer of the council and is also responsible for all management and coordination inside and outside the Dreamscape."
"But strangely... I walked through the entire hotel, and on such an important day, I didn't see a single member of such an important family."
"Goddamn it... If I remember correctly, isn't Sunday the head of the Oak Family?" Boothill said. "Ha, but it doesn't matter. Even if the Family really has some conspiracy, there's no way they could have expected the two of us to come knocking on their door."
"Brother Dan Heng, have you ever robbed the IPC? If you take off running, you'll immediately become the brightest kid on the whole street. But right now, we're in the shadows. To them, we're the unstable factor."
Listening to Boothill, Dan Heng narrowed his eyes.
What this cowboy said did have some truth to it, but the way he put it was rather niche. It was almost as if he were saying, "Friends who rob the IPC regularly all know..."
Then there was the fact that after this guy boarded the train, he claimed he was seeking help while pointing a gun at people...
Nero could get along well with almost anyone and maintain good relationships, while you have to get into a conflict with everyone, is that it?
Boothill seemed not to notice Dan Heng's reproachful gaze and continued doing as he pleased, "They won't act rashly. We're not the only ones worried about alerting the enemy. The Family must also be afraid of alarming outsiders... See? There are still IPC dogs watching us in this hotel."
Dan Heng sighed and said nothing more. He was quite sure that no matter what he said, this Galaxy Ranger would have countless suggestions, rebuttals, and backup plans waiting for him afterward.
After waiting a little longer, the two received the room cards sent over by Ellie, then headed toward the accommodation area.
In the lobby of the accommodation area, Boothill stopped.
"Whoa! No wonder it's the City of Dreams' grand occasion. Even the bars in reality are this fancy."
He then headed straight for the bar.
Although he had initially left a name for a bottle of alcohol with that Memokeeper as a backup plan, how could the great Galaxy Ranger have thought of only that much? Getting the alcohol was for more than just using it. Drinking was important too.
If the plan didn't go smoothly, it could serve as a backup plan. If the plan went smoothly, he could get a free taste of some good stuff.
Boothill could not help praising himself inwardly for coming up with such a win-win solution.
When he reached the bar, Boothill said without the slightest change in expression, "Buddy, I reserved a bottle of Asdana White Oak here. Could you help us find it?"
Dan Heng came over at this point as well. He wanted to see what this cowboy was up to now.
The bartender named Anderson looked at Boothill in confusion.
"Asdana White Oak? You two must have remembered it wrong. We don't have that drink here."
"Impossible. Think carefully," Boothill said.
"If someone had reserved such an expensive drink, I would definitely remember it," Anderson replied politely. "After all, a single bottle of this stuff sells for several hundred thousand credits... If it got broken or went missing, I couldn't afford to compensate for it."
The atmosphere gradually became awkward, and Dan Heng slowly looked toward Boothill.
Fortunately, March had already cured him of his habit of feeling embarrassed on behalf of others. Otherwise, he really would not have been able to resist curling his toes in embarrassment.
Under Dan Heng's gaze, there was not the slightest trace of embarrassment on the cowboy's face. He was even seriously thinking, 'Strange... Could it be that the Memokeeper couldn't afford it?'
Dan Heng: "..."
'When will I get a few reliable teammates?'
Little Aha was already rolling around on the ground.
Fun. This was too much fun.
Even Little Lan and Little Yaoshi could not help lowering their heads and using their tails to support their foreheads.
They could not bear to look.
However, even in this situation, Boothill did not waver in the slightest. His skin was as hard as steel. He casually picked up the drink menu.
"Let me see what single-malt juice you've got... Give me a glass of 'Hinnon's Grain, 40 Years.' Neat, no ice."
"That's the most expensive one on the menu. You're certainly a connoisseur," Anderson praised.
Dan Heng: "..."
Could there be a possibility that he was simply picking the most expensive one?
Anderson looked at Dan Heng again.
"What would you like? I recommend today's special, Glass Village. Classic SoulGlad mixed with Explosive Lemonade Juice. It's refreshing and suits your cool temperament."
"Anything is fine. I don't mind."
"All right. Please wait a moment."
The bartender quickly brought over the drinks, and Boothill downed his in one go.
"Whoo! This rich black-powder barbecue dipped in hydrogen peroxide flavor is really... incredible! No wonder it's the best sherry-cask-aged malt juice in the entire galaxy."
"Black-powder barbecue dipped in hydrogen peroxide flavor... Is that really a flavor humans would enjoy?" Dan Heng fell into deep thought.
Boothill chuckled, "Heh heh, you just don't understand."
Expressionless, Dan Heng pulled the drink menu over and pointed at a newly added drink.
"If you like stimulating drinks, why don't you try this one, Mobile Suit Knight? The ingredient list alone looks pretty stimulating."
Boothill followed Dan Heng's fingertip and glanced over the ingredient list for Mobile Suit Knight.
"What the hell, is this something ordinary humans can drink? My body has been modified, but I'm not at the point where I'd drink engine oil."