Acheron's flashback ended.
Her hands, gripping the long blade, slowly lowered.
A cold voice rang out.
"...I still dream."
Sam seemed puzzled, letting out a confused "Huh?"
"Stand down. Your time has not yet come."
The X-shaped flame on Sam's chest extinguished.
Facing Acheron, she asked, "~My time?"
Acheron: "I've seen many seemingly clever disguises that can mask appearances but not the heart. You are no exception."
"That Trailblazer—you didn't intend to kill her. You acted only to drive me and that Memokeeper away... Why?"
"Did Destiny's Slave make you do it?"
Sam denied it: "My script has always been just a few lines. Beyond that, it's unnecessary and unneeded."
"He knows my nature: there is only one fate, and no one can avoid it—but before that, I have the right to choose."
On the scene.
Under Sam's armor.
Firefly nodded to herself in secret.
From this segment of the plot, it was clear.
She had made a choice outside the script!
.
There might be two choices—to become friends or enemies with the Trailblazer.
Whichever choice is made, it won't affect the predetermined content of the script.
And now, it seems.
The in-game version of herself has chosen the former!
Firefly couldn't help but feel a bit relieved.
After all.
The in-game version of herself didn't have access to games like Honkai: Star Rail.
She could only get to know the Astral Express Crew through the most primitive means.
It seems.
The in-game version of herself has also made a relatively "correct" choice!
...
Acheron: "I'm not worth your curiosity. Those who wander the galaxy alone always have secrets. I've also been wanted by the company, so it's not strange that I know something about the Stellaron Hunters… but that's all."
"Perhaps I can help you."
"What reason do you have to do so?" Sam asked.
"I often forget things, so I'm more accustomed to capturing feelings rather than memories. So—"
"—I know who's inside that cold armor."
Sam was instantly startled.
Acheron continued, "So, are you willing to take off the armor and talk?"
After a moment of silence.
Sam replied, "It's not the time yet."
"I don't need help, but I can give you a suggestion, which would be better for both of us."
"If your goal is the Watchmaker's legacy, investigate the family. They not only concealed the existence of death but also buried the past and truth of the Dreamscape."
"—And, the Astral Express is not your enemy."
This conversation.
Instantly caused some murmurs of surprise to ripple through the scene!
Many people's gazes turned toward the Stellaron Hunters.
Toward Sam!
That towering mechanical figure.
The gleam of metal…
It was exactly the same as in the game's storyline.
"This confirms it, Sam is indeed a suit of armor…"
"Who's the pilot inside? Acheron, stop being so cryptic!"
"Sam's right there, why don't you just ask him~"
"I'm afraid he'd punch me to death…"
"Let's just keep watching the story. I think leaving some suspense is good."
On the scene.
The Astral Express Crew and the Stellaron Hunters were positioned at a distance from each other.
There seemed to be no connection or interaction between them.
Most people still thought the Stellaron Hunters and the Astral Express were in opposition, just like in the game.
However.
In reality…
March 7th was secretly sending messages in the group chat.
[Group Chat: Temporary Collaboration Group Between Stellaron Hunters and Astral Express]
March 7th originally wanted to name it "Astral Express and Stellaron Hunters Family."
But Old Yang thought it was inappropriate and could cause misunderstandings.
In the end, they settled on this more official group chat name.
[March 7th: Sam, so, are you really Firefly?]
[Stelle: Sam, answer March's question!]
[Stelle: Don't pretend you didn't see it!]
[Stelle: Sam]
After a barrage of messages.
Sam finally couldn't ignore it any longer.
[Sam: ...]
[Sam: Can't you two just focus on the story?]
[Sam: Do you really have to spoil it now…]
[March 7th: We're in a collaboration now, you know~]
[March 7th: We should at least be honest with each other!]
[March 7th: Come on! Are you really Firefly?]
[Sam: Yes, I'm Firefly, alright…]
[Sam: (Emoji: Throwing a bomb)]
[Stelle: (Emoji: Eyes sparkling)]
[Stelle: How do you transform?]
[Stelle: Can I borrow your transformation device to play with?]
[Stelle: Can you show us that move again!]
[Stelle: I Will... Set the Seas Ablaze!]
Sam staggered for a moment.
Truly, Stelle.
Exactly the same both in and out of the game.
So full of energy...
However.
Sam's action immediately drew the attention of those around!
"Holy crap!?"
"Were we talking too loudly just now?"
"Oh no! Sam heard us."
"Is he about to come over and punch us to death?"
"I'm sorry! Lord Sam!"
"I'll never dare to gossip about you again..."
At this moment.
In the storyline.
It seemed that important information had appeared again.
Firefly immediately suggested finishing the story first!
On the big screen.
Sam actually revealed the contents of his script!
"It's no harm to tell you, Elio only gave me one instruction—to have the Astral Express chase after the grand legacy together."
"I tried to settle this in a simpler and more direct way, but as you can see, I'm standing here confronting you—I failed. The script is unalterable."
Silver Wolf immediately complained in the group chat.
[Silver Wolf: Now you know why your script only has a few lines, right?]
[Sam: Why?]
[Silver Wolf: Because if someone dares to ask, you really dare to answer]
[Sam: ...]
[Sam: I'll try to act a bit more in the future...]
[Silver Wolf: No need, the script is already scrapped, you can do whatever you want from now on]
[Sam: ...]
[March 7th: She really likes to send...]
The Stellaron Hunters and the Astral Express were chatting privately.
On the other side, Acheron stood alone.
Quietly watching her own storyline.
No,
To be precise.
There was also a space ghost beside her...
Black Swan.
Black Swan floated in the air.
Watching the storyline.
Looking even more serious than Acheron herself.
"The so-called impossible is just the not yet arrived..."
Acheron in the game sighed,
"Enough. Before we part, may I ask you one more question?"
"Is there any part about me in your script? I want to know, in the future seen by fate, what footnote did I leave?"
Sam replied: "Unfortunately, not a single word."
"Not surprising."
After saying that.
Acheron turned and left.
"Wait—"
"I won't."
"What?" Acheron glanced sideways.
"Your initial question—whether you still dream, of those who died because of you."
"I don't. Never have."
"I was born without the function to dream. I live for the cold reality, for a glimmer of light, burning... continuously burning, until I turn to ashes."
"So, I envy you."
As Acheron left, she left her final words.
"Is that so..."
"Then you are already living in a world of clarity."
[March 7th: I feel like Acheron is becoming less and less like an enemy.]
[Stelle: Why don't we just invite Acheron to join our group chat?]
[Welt: There's something I need to confirm.]
[Welt: I'm going to go find Acheron.]
[Kafka: Mr. Welt, you know this is a very sensitive time. Your actions might be seen as intentional.]
[Kafka: And thus, it could disrupt the delicate balance here.]
[Stelle: Rules are meant to be broken!]
[March 7th: Why does it feel like the adults are talking while the kids are causing trouble?]
[Welt: I understand, but this is something that needs to be confirmed.]
[Himeko: What do you need to confirm?]
[Welt: I want to ask her if she's heard the name Raiden Mei.]
[Kafka: Then I wish you success, Mr. Welt.]
[Kafka: If we can confirm that Acheron is also on our side...]
[Kafka: The combined strength of our three parties would far surpass everyone else here, and this delicate balance would no longer be necessary.]
[March 7th: ???]
[March 7th: You're not thinking of...!]
[Stelle: Your words are quite dangerous...]
[Silver Wolf: Kafka, as expected of you.]
[Silver Wolf: I also feel the current situation is a bit too rigid.]
[Silver Wolf: It's time to make a big move!]
[Silver Wolf: Once Welt goes to talk to Acheron, we'll see who reacts the most intensely. That person will be the final boss of Penacony!]