Chapter 98: Let Penacony Experience the Corporate Culture Shock of the Interastral Peace Corporation!
[To investigate the truth, the Express crew arrived at the Iris Family residence, but the people here claimed that someone named Firefly never existed. They then checked the records of the Dreamscape Pools, yet found no traces either.
Thus, they turned their investigation toward the Garden of Recollection and the Stellaron Hunters.]
Silver Wolf: "Stellaron Hunter tech boy, don't get it? Just entering dreams is child's play—easy as pie!"
Stelle: "Silver Wolf, you're amazing! All hail the Wolf Sovereign!"
Silver Wolf: "Seriously? You still haven't dropped that lame meme?"
March 7th: "I think she'll probably remember it for life."
Firefly: "Isn't that nice?"
Silver Wolf: "Firefly, whose side are you even on?"
[As they were discussing, a group of drunk IPC employees decided to let the people of Penacony experience the "corporate culture shock" of the Interastral Peace Corporation firsthand.
Just as they were about to start forcibly clearing the area, Topaz of the Ten Stonehearts—Debt Collector Topaz—couldn't hold back her exasperation and stepped in to stop the chaos. "You lot, drag him away and send him back to his room—"
"—Later, I'll hold a meeting to thoroughly discuss how we're going to write this incident report!"
Facing their acquaintance Topaz, March 7th was pleasantly surprised to run into a familiar face here. Topaz explained to the Astral Express that tensions between the IPC and Penacony ran deep—while they maintained surface-level courtesy toward corporate employees, only those with invitations, like Aventurine, could enter the Dreamscape. Topaz and her team had no choice but to wait outside. Following Topaz's lead, they decided to investigate Firefly's disappearance by questioning two members of the Bloodhound Family standing nearby. Coincidentally, Stelle had beaten both of them up before.]
Scott: "What kind of employees does Director Topaz have? How could they mess up in this kind of environment? If it were me, I'd do way better than them!!"
Jimmy: "Are you trying to switch teams, Scott?"
Scott: "No! Boss Jimmy, being assigned under you is the honor of my lifetime! If not for your show, how could I monetize my clout?"
March 7th: "Are all IPC employees like this? Probably not, right?"
Topaz: "Of course not. Those two clowns—I've already docked their year-end bonuses and made them properly study corporate culture."
Employee A: "No! Director Topaz, we haven't even done anything yet!!"
Bronya Zaychik: "Bronya hopes they'll be okay."
Bronya offered a completely emotionless prayer.
[The two Bloodhound Family members insisted they had nothing to disclose but accidentally let slip that Gallagher was at the Dreamjolt Troupe's border. March 7th had a sudden idea—if they weren't getting any answers here, why not just go straight to the border and find Gallagher?
Upon arriving at the Dreamjolt Troupe's territory, a particularly principled Bloodhound Family member blocked their path—and recognized Stelle. "Last time, it was you! Shouting something about 'friendship, effort, clockwork tricks,' then teaming up with that silver-haired girl to beat me up!"
March 7th: "…"
Himeko: "…"
"This time, I won't let you pass no matter what… Turn back now, or I'll have to beg you on my knees!!"]
Stelle: "Oh yeah, I remember now! That totally happened in the video last time!"
Silver Wolf: "They were yelling about 'true friendship' and 'bonds' while charging at him!"
March 7th: "You really know how to pick fights, don't you, my dear Stelle?"
Stelle: "That's the bond between me and Firefly! Look at him—he's about to kneel and beg!"
Kiana: "Is that something to be proud of?"
[This overly principled Bloodhound Family member was so steadfast that even after the Astral Express showed documentation from The Family, he still refused to let them through.
Left with no choice, Stelle decided to pull out her trump card—Clockwork Trickery! But this guy was too principled! No matter how much sadness, anger, or joy she threw at him, he wouldn't break his code—until—
Quitting time arrived! "Shift's over! Nobody better try to stop me—!"
Laughing cheerfully, the member clocked out and left. The Express crew could only watch in stunned silence as this "principled" man switched moods faster than flipping a page. Soon after, they entered the Dreamjolt Troupe's territory.]
March 7th: "That's way too principled!"
Scott: "How is someone like that supposed to climb the ranks? No flexibility at all."
Principled Bloodhound Member: "It's called having principles! Principles! Nothing stops me from clocking out on time!"
Qingque: "Never slacks during work hours but absolutely refuses overtime—no one can stop him. Slacking is bliss!"
Topaz: "I admire employees like that. At least they're not wage thieves."
[After finding Gallagher, he expressed deep sympathy for the silver-haired girl's fate. As a security officer, he swore to seek justice for Firefly. Himeko smiled. "That's precisely why we came to see you, Mr.
Gallagher. The Express can't ignore her death—we intend to assist The Family in uncovering the truth and securing justice for her."
Gallagher sighed cryptically. "Nameless… now entangled with The Family too. How ironic fate is."
"Is something wrong with The Family?"
March 7th asked. "Nothing. Pay it no mind. In Penacony… everyone loves The Family."
"No matter how much someone resists sweet dreams… when the time comes, they grow reluctant to leave. Who would willingly abandon a warm nest? Only fools… children… and drunkards who've lost their senses."
His tone was layered with sarcasm and hidden meaning. "Mr. Gallagher… seems to be implying something?"
"I'm not. Don't read into it."]
March 7th: "He obviously has issues with them! His disdain for The Family is practically overflowing! Is he their traitor?"
Gallagher: "I'm not. I don't. I love The Family."
Stelle: "For some reason… I just feel like he's a good guy."
Fu Xuan: "If even The Family's security officers are compromised… then they really are as full of holes as a sieve."