Chapter 93
[Sunday]:"Can we finally talk about Penacony's future now?!"
[ ]:"As you wish, you damn siscon."
[Yanqing]:"Finally over... This 'Breaking the Heavenly Dome' was really something else."
[Yunli]:"Right?! That thing was terrifying!"
[Stelle]:"No! I want more! Give me even more abstract fan creations!"
[March 7th]:"You wouldn't be saying that if those fan creations were about you!"
[Stelle watched as Robin's corpse dissolved into foam, her shock beyond words. Faced with this situation, Stelle immediately suspected the ever-enigmatic Aventurine.
But Aventurine told her this was just a memory—none of what happened here had anything to do with him. To breach the Family's [Harmony] barrier and create death in Penacony, only that woman who called herself a [Galactic Ranger] could have done it. Aventurine hoped Stelle would side with him in this incident, believing that overt schemes were far better than monsters lurking in the shadows. At that moment, Black Swan approached, confirming that Aventurine's words held truth. Aventurine openly admitted he only wanted ownership of [Penacony] to complete the IPC's mission—he had no interest in the Watchmaker's legacy. The Family's control over this place was absolute, and they had concealed the existence of [death]. Even Robin's disappearance would vanish without a trace. Thus, Aventurine wanted to cooperate with the Astral Express in his personal capacity. Though Stelle also wanted to find the culprit, she felt this matter should be discussed with her companions first. Afterward, Aventurine left on his own—there was no coercion, but something still felt off to Stelle.]
[Honkai Star Rail·Himeko]:"No coercion, but plenty of subtle guidance, right, Mr. Aventurine?"
[Aventurine]:"No need to be so wary, Navigator. Just some basic negotiation tactics."
[Aventurine]:"It's been half a day since the last viewing. How's the Family's investigation going?"
[Jade]:"Most dreamers have already left Penacony, haven't they? People come here for vacation, yet [death] has appeared in the dreams."
[Sunday]:"IPC members should rein in their ambitions. Penacony currently has no security issues—perhaps the culprit is among those chasing after the legacy?"
[Qingque]:"Scary business warfare... I'll visit Penacony when it's safe. Gotta prioritize survival!"
[For caution's sake, Stelle decided to speak with Black Swan. Black Swan told her that while Aventurine's plan seemed beneficial, he was a shrewd merchant who wouldn't act against his own interests.
Guided by Black Swan, Stelle traversed the chaotic dreamscape and arrived at The Reverie Hotel. Among the Astral Express family's past chat logs, they were discussing the current situation—Dan Heng even offered to come to Penacony to help. Stelle informed them her investigation was complete and asked where they should regroup. Relieved to see Stelle safe, Himeko suggested meeting at the Clockie statue.]
[March 7th]:"Thank goodness everyone's okay!"
[Stelle]:"Didn't expect Cold Dragon Young to care so much~!"
[Dan Heng]:"Of course. You're all like family to me."
[Sushang]:"Black Swan just collaborated with Aventurine, then undermined him right after he left. Is this how big shots cooperate?"
Sushang looked utterly lost, as if her brain's CPU was overheating.
[Black Swan]:"Our transaction had already concluded by then. This was merely a friendly reminder."
[Some time earlier — Depth of the Memoria SAM's armor burned with raging flames. "You should draw that blade now."
Acheron remained still, her sheathed sword pointed at SAM.
Her tone was flat as she asked: "...Hunter, do you still dream?"
"Of those who died by your hand?"]
[Kevin]:"?"
[Pardofelis]:"Familiar phrasing! Feels more like something Boss Kevin would say!"
[Sakura]:"Does Acheron's world have someone like Kevin too?"
[Elysia]:"White-haired ghost~ Hmm♪"
[Honkai Star Rail·Welt]:"The more similarities I see, the harder it is to believe Luocha's motives."
[Honkai Star Rail·Welt]:"General Jing Yuan, please keep a close eye on Luocha."
[Days ago — Everflame Mansion The once-magnificent palace now burned with ferocious fire. Acheron's blade remained sheathed as she pointed it at Duke Inferno. "...It seems the outcome was decided long ago."
"They still live—and so do you. You still have a choice. Leave the music box behind and walk away."
Her voice was calm as she offered him mercy. Duke Inferno only laughed. "Choice? The path of [Destruction] tolerates no hesitation."
"Flame-Monarch of Topaz... Even if you offer your life to that Aeon, you will not earn Its gaze.""Ranger, you walk the narrow path of [The Hunt]. You could never understand."
"We are born of fire, bathed in flame—spreading, burning, destroying until all fuel is spent, leaving only ash."
"To burn is a Flame-Monarch's life—its beginning and end. We are born to die, embodying but one facet of cosmic truth: All things exist for [Destruction]."
"Your comrades seem to disagree. They fought to give you this chance to live," Acheron countered.
"They are my children—like my past self, sparks yet to ignite fully. They are young; I will not blame them."
"But my fire has grown hoarse. Time runs short. See that Festival Star in the distance? I shall bring inferno there—and so I must surpass you first."
Facing Acheron—who walked further along her Path—Duke Inferno's fighting spirit burned brighter. Destruction was a glorious instant! Respecting his choice, Acheron drew her blade in solemn tribute.
"...I will be honest with you. [The Hunt]... is not the Path I walk."]
[Stelle]:"Duke Inferno! I miss him!!!"
[March 7th]:"Who knew even someone like him would face annihilation without fear?"
[Kiana]:"At first, when Duke Inferno declared war on four Paths, I thought he was just a clown... but..."
[Phantylia]:"Foolish. Boring!"
[March 7th]:"Hmph! I feel like Duke Inferno embodies [Destruction] better than you!"
[Stelle]:"Exactly! At least he wasn't afraid to die!"
[Qingque]:"Clown Phantylia only dares to talk big in the chat."