[ ]: "Aren't you all from this universe quite curious about the Quantum Sea? Well then, let me tell you a story about it!?"
[Black Swan]: "Finally! The Quantum Sea - something whose existence cannot be verified anywhere in our universe. I've waited so long for this moment!"
For Black Swan, while those spoiler-filled and abstract videos had been somewhat interesting, nothing could compare to the initial promise of learning about the Quantum Sea. This was a realm untouched by their entire universe - in some ways, even more mysterious than the Aeons themselves!
[Ruan Mei]: "It truly is something to look forward to."
[Theresa]: "Could this video also be about us?"
[Otto]: "Theresa, matters concerning the Quantum Sea don't necessarily relate to our native world. Though perhaps we might make an appearance - completely different versions of ourselves."
Playing: "Honkai Chronicles · Zero"]
[On the bridge of the Hyperion, a chess game was set up. "Have we really come to this point?"
"Yes, we've truly come to this point."
The camera slowly pans to reveal the two opponents - Theresa and an unknown figure. "If the causes existing in the past remain unchanged, the present effects should not exist," the figure said. "But since the results have already taken form, someone must distort that past which can no longer progress forward," came a calm, mature woman's voice. "The one who changed your past was me from the future..."
"If that's truly the case—then what is this version of me doing at this very moment?"
"Hmph, who knows... checkmate." 'Theresa' smiled mysteriously. "It's time for you to depart, Captain."
"I'll be back soon.
Then—let us meet again in the distant past."
The Captain dissolved into particles of light. "Yes, let us meet again in the near future."]
[Kiana]: "That person looks just like Aunt Theresa! Is that really her!?"
[Murata Himeko]: "While they look similar, there's no way our Theresa could ever have that kind of presence!"
[Murata Himeko]: "Also, isn't the Hyperion's captain supposed to be me? What's with this 'Captain' character?"
[Theresa]: "How could I not possess such elegant poise...?"
[Black Swan]: "Wait, what are they talking about!? Going back in time, reversing causality? What!?"
This conversation completely baffled Black Swan. Was reversing time and returning to the past supposed to be simple? This directly struck at the limits of her knowledge.
[Vita]: "The Quantum Sea contains all sorts of bubble worlds with completely different physical laws. Anything can happen~"
[Vita]: "As a native of the Quantum Sea, I'd be happy to give friends a tour sometime~"
[Consciousness mapping complete "What are you spacing out for in front of His Highness the Second Prince? Kneel and pay your respects!"
The Captain's consciousness wasn't fully clear yet, so he obediently followed instructions.
His imitation of ceremonial etiquette from TV dramas was far from proper, prompting someone to try dragging him away. "Ah, let it go, Da Lang. This person... nom nom... this meat is delicious... this person is after all the best candidate for this mission!"
The voice sounded familiar. Uncertain, the Captain opened his eyes to see Kiana dressed in qipao-like attire with her hair in buns, voraciously gnawing on a large roasted meat leg. "Mmm, this meat—ahem—this mission is highly confidential. Changing personnel now would only risk leaks."]
[Kiana]: "I'm the Second Prince!? See that, Mei? This is my domain now!"
[Bronya Zaychik]: "Disaster. If Kiana is this nation's prince, Bronya fears for its future prospects."
[Wolf]: "Wait, why am I Kiana's strategist? My loyalty lies with World Serpent!"
[Murata Himeko]: "So what exactly is this mission for the Captain?"
[Kiana continued feasting while ordering Wolf to announce the mission. Wolf presented a scroll painting. Though abstract and... uniquely artistic, the Captain immediately recognized it as Guren! "Is this Lady Guren?"
"Why do you address her as 'Lady'?"
"The Crown Princess Guren committed treason through cunning schemes leading to His Majesty's demise, and has since fled from Huangyue City."
Wolf grew increasingly agitated: "This criminal conspired with Prime Minister Rita to alter the late Emperor's decree, stealing the Second Prince's rightful throne...
She is utterly irredeemable!"
The Captain remained silent as Wolf continued regardless: "Your mission is to capture the traitor Guren and bring her back—dead or alive!"
Examining the painting closely, the Captain couldn't help but laugh at its... distinctive artistic style. "What? Do you take issue with His Highness's masterpiece?"
The Captain's mind raced as he desperately conjured up every possible compliment for this artwork.]
[Stelle]: "Those wise eyes! That resolute mouth! The feather fan in her hair! Clearly a master villain!"
[March 7th]: "How did you manage not to laugh?"
[Serval]: "This astonishing artistic skill could rival my brother's."
[Gepard]: "My drawings aren't that bad, are they? At least I capture key features of wanted criminals."
[Kiana]: "If I'm the Second Prince and Guren is the Crown Princess, then..."
Kiana seemed to have discovered some earth-shattering truth. Puffing out her chest, she approached
Theresa: "Theresa~ what should you call me now~?"
Theresa didn't react at first, then laughed in exasperation—how dare this brat try to reverse their roles? Bronya silently closed her eyes, unwilling to witness Kiana's impending doom. "You've made your bed..."
[Stelle]: "I think I understand now. Pray for Kiana's safety!"
AN: ... Regarding the Captain's identity—I treat him as an actual character here, just like Stelle isn't meant to represent players either. The cyberbullying incident during the main story's finale represents the true player-Captain, but I won't be covering that here—it's too outrageous. Thus in this story, the Captain serves the same role as Stelle—as protagonists within the narrative.
TL/N : This arc will be about Captain's Bizarre Adventure which I'm not really interested in and translation will be rushed, I suggest to just skip to chapter 148 which will be Penacony's Arc continuation.