『 After a short while, the Astral Express crew regroups.
[ "It seems Aventurine has no further demands for now. Let's focus on handling the Family's commission first." ]
[ "Himeko, what are your thoughts?" ]
Welt asks, turning his attention toward Himeko.
[ "Among our current clues, the two murders that Stelle witnessed are the most directly connected." ]
[ "I suggest we start there." ]
[ "There's something I'm curious about." ]
[ "If a person dies in a dream, what happens to them in reality?" ]
[ "Since we have the Family's authorization, why don't we return to reality first and verify Miss Hotaru's status with the hotel…" ]
[ "And perhaps look into Miss Robin's situation while we're at it." ]
Himeko ponders for a moment before offering her suggestion.
[ "How about this?" ]
[ "We split into two groups. There are some things in the Dreamscape that have piqued my interest; I'd like to investigate them first and regroup with you later." ]
Welt says, his tone uncharacteristically abrupt.
[ "Something that interests you?" ]
[ "…Oh, alright. No problem, we'll leave it to you then." ]
Himeko senses something is off with Welt, but she trusts him implicitly and chooses not to press further.
[ "Eh?" ]
[ "Ah… I thought I'd finally get to see Sister Himeko and Uncle Yang working together. Well, stay safe, Uncle Yang!" ]
March 7th is initially surprised, but she quickly follows up with a word of caution.
[ "I will. Keep in touch." ]
Welt nods to the group, watching as the three of them depart.
[ "..." ]
[ "Honored guest, would you care to step out and meet?" ]
Once their silhouettes have faded from view, Welt speaks into the empty air.
Suddenly, Acheron's figure manifests behind him.
Sensing the anomaly at his back, Welt turns instinctively, his expression flickering with a hint of surprise.
[ "Being stared at like that… it's a bit embarrassing." ]
Feeling Welt's inscrutable gaze upon her, Acheron speaks with a touch of unease.
[ "My apologies." ]
[ "I am Welt Yang, a member of the Astral Express. I believe you've already met my companions." ]
Welt withdraws his gaze and introduces himself formally.
[ "Welt…" ]
Acheron murmurs the name, sinking into deep thought.
[ "Is there something wrong with that name?" ]
Her reaction causes Welt to furrow his brow.
[ "…..Before that, aren't you going to ask for my name?" ]
Acheron looks up and asks.
[ "I suspect that won't be necessary, Miss Acheron. You are currently a person of renown in Penacony." ]
Welt shakes his head, calling her by name.
[ "….And what do they say about me?" ]
Acheron asks curiously.
[ "Some claim you are the culprit behind this string of murders—that the Annihilation Gang, who came to attend the banquet, met a gruesome end at your blade. And now, you intend to incite another bloodbath in Penacony." ]
Welt answers.
[ "The Annihilation Gang?" ]
Acheron seems genuinely puzzled.
[ "Ifrit of Ever-Flame Mansion." ]
Welt reminds her.
[ "A Tragic fate..." ]
[ "That Duke transformed his dying body into a blazing fire, martyring himself for his creed." ]
[ "He was a steadfast, tragic Pathstrider. Even a villain does not deserve such slander." ]
[ "Furthermore, there is no shortage of suspicious characters who were invited. Do they truly believe…" ]
[ "That a long blade is more dangerous than the black hole in your hand?" ]
Acheron fixes her gaze on Welt's cane, her tone unreadable.
[ "…Sharp intuition. Even the Family failed to point out the true nature of this cane." ]
[ "Then you must also understand, Miss Acheron, that peering into a black hole is not a wise move. As a potentially dangerous element…" ]
[ "Your understanding of us has reached an uncomfortable depth…" ]
[ "Reveal your true identity and your intentions." ]
[ "Otherwise, I must ask you to prepare to be torn asunder by gravity." ]
Welt watches Acheron, a distinct edge of threat entering his voice.
[ "Such a thing shouldn't happen…" ]
[ "But if it puts the Nameless at ease, I am happy to oblige." ]
[ "Whether you believe it or not, I am a Galaxy Ranger, Acheron…" ]
[ "That is my identity for now." ]
[ "And my visit to Penacony is merely for a long-standing final wish." ]
[ "I am here for the Watchmaker's legacy… nothing more." ]
[ "I believe I have been honest enough." ]
Acheron answers Welt's query.
[ "You still refuse to reveal your true identity?" ]
Welt knows she isn't telling the whole truth.
[ "It is not that I am unwilling, but that I cannot…" ]
[ "The road I have walked is too long. The burdens placed upon this body cannot be explained in a few words." ]
[ "Everyone has a past they find hard to speak of, secrets they are unwilling to show…" ]
[ "Just as I will not ask why the Astral Express travels the galaxy with a 'Stellaron' on board." ]
Acheron deflects his question, revealing her knowledge of Stelle's true nature.
[ "..." ]
Welt falls silent.
[ "Is she alright?" ]
[ "That Memokeeper… she didn't do anything, did she?" ]
Acheron suddenly asks about Stelle's condition.
[ "She is in no danger." ]
[ "Let's return to our previous topic. Whether you earn my trust depends on how much you are willing to disclose." ]
After answering her question, Welt brings the conversation back on track.
[ "To find that legacy, I have visited various dreams and conducted many investigations since checking into Penacony. I've also had contact with many guests." ]
[ "In the process, I gradually realized…" ]
[ "The secrets of Penacony… may be closely linked to the Trailblaze of the past." ]
[ "Therefore, I have come to seek your help." ]
[ "I don't have enough evidence, but I'd like to propose a possibility: the source of all tragedy is lurking within the Family." ]
[ "If you are willing to trust me… we can find the supporting facts together." ]
[ "Mr. Welt, I believe you reached the same conclusion long ago." ]
Acheron says with sincere conviction.
[ "…." ]
[ "Let's leave it at that for now." ]
[ "I will temporarily believe you harbor no ill intent." ]
[ "Share your findings with me—just the two of us. Until we find definitive evidence, I don't want to interfere with the others' judgment with ambiguous speculation." ]
Welt temporarily lowers his guard and begins to inquire about the information Acheron possesses.
[ "Understood." ]
[ "….By the way, would you like something to drink?" ]
[ "Before we set out, how about two glasses of 'Wake the Heck Up'—no, make it four." ]
[ "Because the conversation that follows… will last a long time." ]
Acheron looks at the nearby bar, her tone becoming distant. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
March 7th: "Whoa! I didn't expect Uncle Yang to meet Miss Acheron right after the three of us left!"
Stelle: "Holy crap, does Uncle Yang always have such a badass side?"
Stelle: "He actually threatened an Emanator without even blinking!"
Welt: "Ahem, unfortunately, at that time, I shouldn't have known her true identity."
Himeko: "Hehe, but I think even if you knew her true identity, you wouldn't have backed down, would you?"
Dan Heng: "True. Mr. Welt stayed behind specifically to eliminate uncertain threats for the Express crew."
March 7th: "Say no more! Uncle Yang, you're so cool!!"
Stelle: "Uncle Yang, YOU'RE THE GOAT!!!!"
Welt: "Uh… everyone, there's no need for such enthusiasm."
Hu Tao: "Oho, I didn't expect Mr. Welt to be such a hidden powerhouse despite his low-profile demeanor?"
Asta: "Mr. Welt is carrying a black hole around with him?"
Asta: "Is it the kind of black hole I'm thinking of?"
Asta: "How is that even physically possible?"
Stelle: "My Uncle Yang is just that cracked. Playing with a black hole is child's play for him!"
Stelle: "If those people in Penacony dare to plot against me again, I'll just have Uncle Yang throw a black hole at them!"
Sushang: "Throw… a black hole?!"
Sushang: "Wouldn't all of Penacony get sucked in?!"
Guinaifen: "That's… that's terrifying!"
Guinaifen: "Is Mr. Welt actually scarier than Miss Acheron?!"
Lumine: "As expected of the seasoned veteran of the Express!"
Lumine: "He gives off such an unexpected sense of security!"
Zhongli: "Mr. Welt's style of handling affairs is meticulous, and he is exceptionally cautious. He is indeed the indispensable patriarch of the Astral Express."
Venti: "Ehe, if the Express were missing Mr. Welt, they'd probably run into a lot of trouble."
March 7th: "Hehe, thanks for the praise, everyone! We'll accept it on Uncle Yang's behalf!"
Welt: "Ahem… everyone is exaggerating a bit."
Welt: "I'm just an ordinary member of the Express."
Welt: "I simply did what I felt I should do."
Welt: "Also, I need to clarify one thing: the black hole in my hand is only a Synthetic Black Hole."
Welt: "It doesn't possess the same devastating power as a true black hole!"
Stelle: "Even if it's not the real deal, it's still insanely powerful to normal people!"
Stelle: "Anyway, whether Uncle Yang is strong or not is secondary."
Stelle: "The most important thing is that he truly cherishes us juniors!"
Stelle: "Uwaaa, just that point alone makes me want to cry my eyes out!"
March 7th: "Hey, what's with you and 'crying your eyes out' all the time?"
Silver Wolf: "Maybe she feels like if she doesn't cry her eyes out, she isn't moved enough."
Hotaru: "Uh…. that's a strange way of thinking."
Himeko: "Speaking of which, Miss Acheron also sensed that Penacony seems to be related to the Trailblaze?"
Stelle: "Related to the Trailblaze?"
Stelle: "Does that mean Penacony is actually the Astral Express's territory?!"
Stelle: "It's the IPC and the Family who are the squatters! They shamelessly occupied the territory of us Nameless!"
Stelle: "If that's the case, then I'm gonna have to ask you outsiders to GTFO!!"
March 7th: "That… is a nice thought."
March 7th: "But I feel like it's a bit of a stretch."
Aventurine: "It's definitely a stretch."
Aventurine: "Penacony was the IPC's frontier prison from the very beginning."
Aventurine: "If we're talking about squatters, the Family is the one who moved in!"
Aventurine: "The IPC is just the victim here."
Sunday: "Regrettably, the IPC's conduct didn't seem to be recognized by the frontier prison back then, otherwise there wouldn't have been a riot."
Sunday: "Nor would it have led to the Family's subsequent arrival."
Sunday: "Since the IPC lacked the capability to govern the frontier prison…"
Sunday: "Then they should have vacated the premises."
Sunday: "Moreover, if the IPC was truly dissatisfied, why didn't they suppress the prison from the start?"
Sunday: "Instead, now that the Family has put in so much effort to turn a frontier prison into the Planet of Festivities, the IPC begins to make its move…"
Sunday: "I don't think I need to say more about what the IPC is scheming, do I?"
Boothill: "That's just how the fudgin' IPC works. They don't do a lick of work all day, just sittin' there calculatin' how to get a bigger piece of the muddle-fudgin' pie."
Boothill: "They're like dogs smellin' dung, waggin' their tails the moment they catch a whiff."
Boothill: "And even if these dogs get beaten and run away with their tails between their legs, they still can't change their nature. They'll just wait for the next chance to come back!"
Boothill: "It really proves that old sayin'…"
Boothill: "A dog can't stop eatin' shirt!"
Hanabi: "Nice! What an aggressive statement!"
Hanabi: "Cowboy-kun, you have my approval~"
Boothill: "Meow! Who the fudge wants approval from a Fool like you?"
Boothill: "And don't call me Cowboy-kun, it sounds like some kind of pet name!"
Hanabi: "Okay then, Cowboy-kun~"
Lumine: "..."
....
『 The scene shifts. It is now the same time, back at the hotel in reality.
[ "I've been watching her closely for a while now, and the first "invitation" was in the banquet hall of the hotel." ]
[ "She just sat in one corner keeping silent, chugging down a couple cups of Wake the Heck Up..." ]
[ "I told her it's a pungent, bitter beverage, not the taste of sweet dreams — only for people allergic to SoulGlad. " ]
[ "But she said…" ]
[ "Is that so? But to me… they taste no different." ]
Black Swan recalls her first meeting with Acheron.
[ "The guest rooms in reality are unexpectedly simple…" ]
[ "….Just like your exterior, Miss Acheron." ]
[ "Finding it was effortless." ]
[ "It's this music box—the invitation received by the Annihilation Gang…" ]
[ "Memories of you do not belong to you alone—I know much, and I prophesy further—with a little trickery, even the dead can speak." ]
[ "The Annihilation Gang, that group of outlaws who vanished after meeting you…" ]
[ "What exactly did they experience?" ]
[ "Let me reveal it." ]
Black Swan enters Acheron's hotel room in reality, picks up the music box, and begins to use her powers to investigate.
[ "...Gradation twelve ██ Dreamscape twelve ██ Father ██ I dedicate this to you..." ]
[ "...Well done ██ Dubra ██ wherever they go, ██ shall be met by annihilation..." ]
After Black Swan closes her eyes, she hears these voices.
[ "….There it is. Though faint, that is Afrit's voice." ]
[ "The other one… must be one of his progeny." ]
[ "This is a residual memory from when the invitation was first delivered… it cuts off after a moment." ]
[ "Then, what follows is…." ]
Black Swan listens to the voices within once more.
[ "...They sought refuge in the land of sleep ██, merely wishing for undisturbed rest, away from the storms..." ]
[ "Children of the flame ██ this marks your rite of passage." ]
[ "She won't be necessary ████ I alone am enough." ]
[ "Shh—████ when have those ██ on the Path of Destruction ██ feared death?" ]
Black Swan hears snatches of conversation.
[ "The Ever-Flame Mansion set out. Poor souls… they had no idea what was waiting for them." ]
[ "But the memory reconstruction is going smoothly. She is coming…. she'll be here soon…." ]
[ "There is no one else here. I don't need to be so elegant…." ]
[ "I must spare no effort…." ]
Black Swan closes her eyes again, attempting to reconstruct more memories.
[ "….Off" ]
[ "…What happened?" ]
[ "██████████ ██████ ████████████████ ████████" ]
[ "The memories after that… are a total blank?" ]
[ "How is that possible…" ]
[ "It is a fact that this music box fell into Acheron's hands and was brought to Penacony by her. It should be there… but the process in between…" ]
[ "█████ █████████ █ ███ █████ ████ █ █████ ███ ██ ██████████ █████ ██ ██ ███ █████ █████" ]
[ "I...It's like it's been erased? Who's done this..." ] 』
『 ....』