—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Keqing: "Memory Zone Meme?"
Keqing: "Is that the name of that monster from before?"
Black Swan: "Regarding that, I need to make a small correction."
Black Swan: "It is not just that monster covered in eyes that is called a Memory Zone Meme."
Black Swan: "In fact, all the monsters they encountered within that dreamscape are a type of Memory Zone Meme."
Black Swan: "The appearance of a Memory Zone Meme is related to factors such as a person's subconscious and memories, so their forms will vary."
Keqing: "I see. Thank you for the explanation, Miss Black Swan."
Nahida: "To think that Memory Zone Memes would appear inside the hotel, which was originally part of the dreamscape."
Nahida: "Does this mean that the entirety of Penacony's Sweet Dream is no longer safe?"
Hu Tao: "Didn't Miss Black Swan say it already?"
Hu Tao: "Penacony's Sweet Dream is sinking!"
Hu Tao: "Does this mean that once the Sweet Dream sinks, everyone still within the dream will die?"
Paimon: "So… SO SCARY!!"
Paimon: "I never thought just having a sweet dream could be life-threatening!"
Paimon: "First it was the Sabzeruz Festival, and now we're seeing Penacony's Sweet Dream, which is even grander and more dangerous than the Sabzeruz Festival."
Paimon: "This has scared me so much I won't dare to dream casually anymore!"
Lynx: "I've heard you guys mention the Sabzeruz Festival many times. Um… what is that?"
Lumine: "Uh… it's a long story."
Lumine: "In short, it was also a perilous dream world."
Paimon: "And, that was also the handiwork of that bad guy, The Doctor!"
Boothill: "Yee-haw, didn't expect that. My family's Doc-dog actually has that kind of skill?"
Dottore: "Boothill, why do you always bite onto me and refuse to let go?"
Boothill: "Why else? Of course it's because in this livestream room, apart from you and Scaramouche, everyone else has class!"
Dottore: "Heh, ignorant and foolish people!"
Nahida: "Although The Doctor's methods are strange, they cannot be compared to Penacony's Sweet Dream."
Lumine: "That's right. The Doctor's dream world only enveloped the entirety of Sumeru City, and he was even borrowing tools to do it."
Lumine: "But Penacony's Sweet Dream covers an entire planet!"
Dottore: "It is a pity. A Sweet Dream world of such astounding scale cannot be used by me."
Dottore: "Otherwise, with that massive computational power, I would certainly be able to research a method to leave Teyvat!"
Childe: "Hey, Doctor! With such powerful strength, you only want to use it to research a way to leave Teyvat?"
Childe: "That doesn't really seem like your style, does it?"
Childe: "I thought you would at least use it to research Aeons!"
Scaramouche: "Don't make me laugh! Researching Aeons!"
Scaramouche: "Wake up! You can't even get out of Teyvat, what the hell kind of Aeon are you going to research?"
Dottore: "Hehe, naturally I won't let go of the mysteries of the Aeons!"
Dottore: "But before that, I need to use the entirety of Teyvat as a springboard to help me get out!"
Lumine: "Use the entirety of Teyvat as a springboard?!"
Lumine: "Doctor, what exactly do you want to do?!"
Hu Tao: "What else could he do? He definitely wants to do something super evil!"
Jean: "Mondstadt will not allow Snezhnaya to recklessly destroy the safety of the Teyvat continent!"
Ningguang: "If Snezhnaya dares to plot against the entire Teyvat continent, then they are an enemy of Liyue!"
Ei: "If it endangers Inazuma, I will personally strike to sever all factors of unrest!"
Furina: "Ahem, Fontaine also will not allow the Fatui to act willfully!"
Furina: "Right? Neuvillette?"
Neuvillette: "As the supreme Hydro Archon of Fontaine, Lady Furina's words can fully represent Fontaine!"
Nahida: "That's wonderful, everyone is so reliable."
Cyno: "I only await Lesser Lord Kusanali's order. Cyno shall fulfill the duties of the General Mahamatra and purge the Akademiya from top to bottom!"
Alhaitham: "Count me in. As a member of Sumeru City, I am willing to contribute to this matter."
Tighnari: "Just say the word if you need help. I will do my utmost."
Collei: "I… I can do it too!"
Lumine: "Forget it, forget it… Collei should just rest properly at home!"
Dehya: "What? Looking at this situation, are we about to fight?!"
Dehya: "I'm good at this! If you guys are going to fight, wait a sec, I'll go grab Candace!"
Candace: "No need, I already know. I am willing to lend everyone a hand."
Nilou: "Um… I don't have much combat ability…"
Nilou: "How about I dance for you all to celebrate when you return in triumph?"
March 7th: "Uh… isn't this going off-topic?"
March 7th: "With this posture of yours, are you guys starting an uprising?"
Paimon: "Hehe, it's because that big baddie The Doctor is plotting against all of Teyvat right now!"
Paimon: "So it has aroused public outrage!"
Paimon: "Now, he's going to face everyone's crusade!"
Stelle: "Beating up villains? I'm good at that!"
Stelle: "Too bad the Astral Express crew can't find where Teyvat is right now."
Stelle: "Otherwise, I'd definitely go over and join the fun."
Arlecchino: "Everyone, allow me to add a word. The Doctor's remarks only represent him personally, and have nothing to do with Snezhnaya or the Fatui!"
Arlecchino: "As a diplomat of Snezhnaya, it is necessary for me to clarify this!"
Zhongli: "Hehe, interesting."
Zhongli: "In my impression, Sumeru is a nation of wisdom. The local customs and practices there are quite nice."
Zhongli: "I happen to have some free time these past two days, why not go for a tour?"
Zhongli: "That drunken bard, are you interested in going together?"
Venti: "Oh my, a personal invitation from Mr. Zhongli? That is simply my greatest honor!"
Venti: "Don't worry, I'm heading to Liyue right now to meet up with you."
Hu Tao: "???"
Hu Tao: "I say, my Consultant, when did I give you time off?"
Hu Tao: "People are fighting a war over there, what fun are you going to join?"
Lumine: "Ahem… Director, there is something you don't know. Mr. Zhongli is well-versed in the art of war!"
Lumine: "Therefore, him going is perfect to serve as our military strategist!"
Paimon: "That's right, that's exactly it!"
Hu Tao: "Is that so…?"
Lumine: "Absolutely TRUE!!"
Hu Tao: "Alright then, I'll approve his leave! Go quickly and return quickly."
Zhongli: "Thank you for your understanding, Director."
Yae Miko: "Oh my, since everyone wants to join in the fun, I'll drag a certain shut-in out to take a look too."
Ei: "..."
Ei: "Fine, it's good to walk outside. Consider it a distraction."
Furina: "Um… Fontaine can't do without me and Neuvillette, so we won't go join this fun!"
Furina: "How about this, I'll let Clorinde and Chevreuse lead troops to cheer you on!"
Clorinde: "I have no objections."
Chevreuse: "The Special Security and Surveillance Patrol awaits orders at any time."
Lumine: "Ohoho, someone is going to be out of luck!"
Paimon: "Yay! Nahida is saved!"
Dottore: "Heh, merely miscellaneous soldiers. Just sending themselves to die!"
Xiao: "Miscellaneous soldiers?"
Xiao: "Very well, you will learn the power of miscellaneous soldiers!"
Venti: "Ehe, everyone is indeed quite miscellaneous, doing all sorts of things!"
Zhongli: "In terms of universal rationality, an army is valued for its quality, not its quantity!"
Zhongli: "Though they appear to be miscellaneous soldiers, they may also be elite soldiers!"
Hu Tao: "Wow~ The Consultant's words truly show a deep understanding of the art of war! I believe it now!"
March 7th: "So Miss Hu Tao didn't believe it at all before, huh?"
Lumine: "Alright, alright, everyone tell me when you arrive at the location. Let's stop spamming the chat for now."
Lumine: "There are other people here, we can't disturb everyone watching the video!"
Paimon: "Right, right, right. Sorry, we'll stop talking for now."
As Paimon's final words fell, this massive crusade in the live stream room came to a temporary close.
....
『 The Astral Express crew temporarily separated from Black Swan, and began to discuss among themselves.
[ …..Himeko, what do you think? ]
Welt looked at Himeko, wanting to hear her opinion.
[ Her words cannot be fully trusted; there are quite a few elements of deliberate misdirection. ]
[ But I am worried about the worst-case scenario. If the mutation in the dreamscape truly exists, and it is not happening naturally but is being driven by someone behind the scenes.... ]
When Himeko reached this point, she fell into deep thought.
[ Then…. it is highly probable that it is related to the Watchmaker's invitation. ]
Welt suddenly spoke up!
[ Huh? How was that deduced? ]
March 7th was somewhat puzzled by Welt's reasoning.
[ Let's temporarily disregard extreme situations. The mastermind driving the dreamscape mutation must have a stance opposite to The Family. That leaves nothing more than two possibilities.... ]
[ Someone intends to introduce external forces to seize the opportunity to shake The Family's control over Penacony. ]
[ Or The Family, in order to protect themselves, was forced to secretly seek help from the outside world. ]
[ But judging from the ciphertext in the invitation and The Family's reaction…. the former possibility is higher. ]
Welt continued his analysis.
[ This also implies that the person who sent the Nameless's ciphertext and the mastermind behind the dreamscape mutation are of the same faction….. possibly even the same person! ]
Himeko said, resting her chin on her hand.
[ But…. that doesn't prove anything, right? ]
[ Speaking only of methods, the Masked Fools and the Riddlers could do it too. Didn't the IPC also successfully decipher it? ]
March 7th felt that Welt and Himeko's analysis, was a bit shaky.
[ Little March, don't be nervous. This is just a possibility. ]
[ But if this line of ciphertext isn't a simple prank, but someone intentionally inviting the Trailblaze to enter, we have even less reason to sit back and watch. ]
Himeko explained a sentence to March 7th.
[ Then let's talk about my findings—regrettably, it's bad news! ]
[ According to reliable sources, some people have sighted a tall male wearing silver armor in Penacony. ]
[ I asked around the Bloodhound Family for news, and also visited quite a few guests who claimed to have seen this intruder..... ]
[ ....And then I received this. ]
[ Stelle, I sent it to you. Open it and take a look. ]
Welt took out his phone, and sent the data to Stelle's phone.
Seeing this, Stelle quickly pulled out her own phone.
[ Ahem, can you hear me? ]
[ Astral Express, long time no see—is Penacony fun? ]
After Stelle opened the video, a very cute cartoon image of a little girl, holding a large megaphone, began to shout out…
[ This is…. it's that hacker girl! ]
March 7th leaned over to look, and immediately recognized the identity of this cartoon girl.
It was none other than the Stellaron Hunter member, Silver Wolf!
[ Let's get serious. ]
[ I know you are all investigating the anomalies in Penacony. Or rather, we are very happy to see this happening. ]
[ Because the deeper you investigate, the more chances you have to understand the truth of the Sweet Dream. ]
[ The Family is hiding something, aren't they? ]
[ We also possess first-hand intelligence. ]
[ Now, I have decided to magnanimously share it with you all. ]
[ It's just a pity—the wonderful vacation is coming to an end. ]
[ Input this code into your Dreampool, that device used for dreaming, and go check out the hidden map! ]
[ I've packaged the coordinates for you. Here, just copy with one click. ]
[ Also—you must have already heard about SAM. ]
[ Look forward to it properly. That guy has a simple personality and likes a fair and square fight. He will definitely "get along" with you. ]
[ I hope you won't be crushed by SAM enthusiasm! ]
[ Oh, he asked me to pass a message to you all: In the unreachable dream, the play is about to begin— ]
[ Good luck. All factions are making their moves. ]
[ Nameless, don't fall too far behind! ]
After Silver Wolf finished saying these things, the video ended.
[ These Stellaron Hunters….. actually have a layout in Penacony too. They really are relentless! ]
After watching the video, March 7th, spoke huffily.
[ The situation is very clear. ]
[ The Planet of Festivities is far from as simple as it looks on the surface. Revolving around the Watchmaker's Legacy, a multitude of factions, including The Family, all harbor their own goals and check and balance each other. ]
[ Although we don't know what this Legacy is yet, this battle for it involving innocent bystanders….. is sooner or later going to happen. ]
[ Molten Knight SAM. It is said this person is a remnant of the Iron Cavalry of Glamoth, a genetically modified warrior by birth. His cognition differs from ordinary people, his actions are decisive, leaving no room for maneuver. He is a dangerous element no less than Kafka and Blade. ]
[ This is a threat letter. ]
[ The hidden map Silver Wolf mentioned must be the Dreamscape Hotel currently under lockdown. ]
[ Considering what comes next, we indeed need to pay a visit to the scene. ]
Welt thought for a moment, then voiced his current view.
[ What if we get discovered... ]
Stelle was a bit worried that if they entered the locked-down Dreamscape Hotel, they would be discovered by The Family.
It would be hard to explain then.
[ If The Family asks, just truthfully inform them that the Astral Express crew is tracking down Stellaron Hunters. I believe we can obtain understanding. ]
[ Depending on the other party's reaction, we will then take the next step. ]
Welt had already thought of an excuse.
Therefore, he was not worried.
[ It seems we have reached a consensus—then let's go back and notify Miss Black Swan. ]
The next step of the plan was confirmed, Himeko began to lead everyone to find Black Swan.
[ Miss Black Swan, the Astral Express crew is willing to cooperate with you. ]
[ In the Memory Zone, we need a suitable guide. ]
Himeko brought everyone in front of Black Swan, and gave her a clear answer.
[ At your service. I won't let you down. ]
Black Swan readily agreed.
[ Stelle and Little March, return to your respective rooms. ]
[ Prepare to enter the dream. If it goes smoothly….. we will gather in the lobby of the Dreamscape Hotel. ]
With matters settled, Himeko began to instruct Stelle and March 7th.
[ I will stay in reality to ensure everyone's safety. ]
[ If necessary, I will also step forward to negotiate with The Family—that's no problem, right, Miss Black Swan? ]
Welt still couldn't trust Black Swan, so he found a pretext, preparing to stay behind to monitor her.
It was also to provide a safety net for the other members of the Astral Express crew.
[ It seems that even though I personally saved your companion, it is still hard for you all to trust me... ]
[ Heh, of course no problem. It just hurts my feelings a little. ]
Black Swan naturally saw through Welt's distrust.
But she just gave a faint smile, and nodded in agreement.
[ I'm counting on you, Welt. ]
[ As for us….. ]
[ Let's get ready to witness the true face of the dream. ]
Himeko nodded to Welt.
Then she beckoned to Stelle and March 7th, and led the two towards the hotel rooms.
[ Looks like it's going to be busy for a while. I wonder if Hotaru has returned to reality yet.... ]
[ ….No, wait. I don't have her contact information. I'll ask Black Swan... ]
On the way, in Stelle's heart, she couldn't help but think of Hotaru's safety.
So she suddenly quickened her pace, preparing to properly ask Black Swan once back in the room. 』
『 ....』