Chapter 95: Aventurine's Tragic Childhood
[Same Time - Reality - Hotel "I've been observing her for a long time. The first [invitation] was in the hotel banquet hall."
"She sat silently in the corner of the crowd, drinking 'Awakening Dream'—one glass, then another... I told her this drink was spicy and bitter, not the taste of sweet dreams, only suitable for those tired of SoulGlad. But she said..."
Acheron:"Is that so? To me... they taste no different."
In reality, Black Swan had infiltrated Acheron's room to uncover her true identity, easily finding the music box from the Annihilation Gang. Through memory exploration, Black Swan sought to trace the Annihilation Gang's movements after the death of the Duke of Cinders. However, Acheron's memories after approaching the Duke were completely blank—until... Dahlia Konstantin confronted her. Due to certain circumstances, someone couldn't come to Penacony personally, but out of some psychological motive, Konstantin handed over Acheron's secrets.]
March 7th:"So the Annihilation Gang isn't completely gone?"
Dan Heng:"In the video, Aventurine mentioned they scattered like birds and beasts after the Duke of Cinders died."
Stelle:"Duke... I still miss you so much! I can't forget you for even a moment!"
Kiana:"Secrets? What secrets about Acheron? Could it be about her true Path? Didn't the last video say Acheron doesn't walk the [Hunt]?"
Kiana:"Also, if SoulGlad and Awakening Dream taste the same to Acheron, has she lost her sense of taste too?"
Bronya Zaychik:"Somehow, whenever it's about Mei, Kiana's brain suddenly becomes sharper."
Kiana:"Bronya! I've always been smart!"
Raiden Mei:"Alright, alright, no more arguing. I'll make you sweet pepper curry for lunch."
[Meanwhile, elsewhere... As he prepared to face The Family, Aventurine found himself inexplicably recalling his past... A woman gazed lovingly at the child in her arms, desperately praying to the gods:
"...Zigonia, Zigonia.The thirsty eye of the storm, land forsaken by the gods..."
"Where stones bear no water, thunder brings no rain, and blood sheds no tears. You hammer us with falling stars, temper us with wind and lightning, chew us with cracked earth...""You gave us the name 'Honey' (Avgin), yet placed us under the bitter knife (Katican). Mother Goddess of Three Eyes (Fingo Bjorns), if you can hear me, please look upon this child..."
"When you took his father, my child still slept in my womb. Now I too must go where my husband has gone...""I ask not for a peaceful death—only tell me this: does the child in my arms dream of his mother's heartbeat? Of rain falling upon the earth? Tell me, is life but a fleeting dream..."
"...For why else would this child be born only to march toward death...?"
Just as despair took hold, the sound of rain came from outside. The outsiders hadn't lied—they'd truly brought rain for the Avgin. The rain brought hope to both mother and child. "Listen, my child... this is the sound of rain. On the day you were born, the Mother Goddess blessed us just like this."
"You are a fortunate child, a blessed child... like your name, a gift from Her to the Avgin people... my child...""May the Mother Goddess close Her eyes for you thrice..."
"May your blood forever pulse...""May your journey be ever smooth..."
"...And may your schemes never fail.""...Welcome to this sorrowful world, Kakavasha (Child Blessed by the Mother Goddess)."]
Aventurine:"........."
March 7th:"I don't even know what to say... Aventurine's always so cryptic, but who knew his past was like this?"
Ratio:"...As a baby, he was actually likable."
Stelle:"What was that about the rain? Is Aventurine's luck so strong it affects the weather?"
Topaz:"Probably planetary terraforming by the Market Development Department."
Theresa:"The IPC's arrival is a double-edged sword."
Boothill: *"Oswaldo Schnabel! I'll ****ing shoot you dead one day, you ******* ****! Stupid Synesthesia Beacon!"*
Qingque:"I don't think Mr. Boothill can even express his anger properly with words."
Belobog Certified Robot:"*** you *******! There, I cursed them out for you!"*
Fu Xuan:"Since when can machina dolls use such vocabulary?!"
The baffled Master Diviner stared in shock.
[Elsewhere, Dr. Ratio and Aventurine reconvened after splitting up. Dr. Ratio shared his findings first—no one outside knew about Robin's murder. The Family had used a body double and were still broadcasting her ceremony rehearsals.
Aventurine mused: who would believe real death could happen in a dream? To test this, he'd even attempted suicide several times, confirming that true death wasn't possible in dreams. The Oak Family was still scrambling over that Meme anomaly. For his sister's sake, Sunday decided to meet Aventurine privately. From this, Aventurine deduced problems within The Family—Sunday wouldn't stay idle after his sister's death. Knowing this, and wanting to create an opening for the IPC in Penacony, Aventurine agreed to meet Sunday. Soon, they arrived at Morning Dew Hall. Along the way, they bickered constantly—Aventurine teasing, Dr. Ratio retorting. After an overly dramatic exchange with an edgy Pipixi gatekeeper, they entered the hall. Perhaps as intimidation, Sunday left them no clear path—just puzzles to solve.]
Stelle:"Bickering all the way~ Who knew they got along so well?"
Qingque:"Like two classmates stuck in a mutual roast battle."
Topaz:"Seems like they're cooperating well on this mission! Right, Numby?"
Dr. Ratio:"Who's getting along with that gambler? I merely wish to correct his ignorance."
Aventurine:"I do hope our real collaboration is as smooth as in this video."
Kiana:"Tsundere is going out of style, Professor."
Raiden Mei:"Their bickering reminds me of Kiana and Bronya."
Kiana & Bronya:"Who gets along with her?!"