Chapter 170
[At the same time, in the Golden Hour. "...The strange phenomenon just now was caused by equipment failure at the Clock Studios Theme Park. The Family has immediately cordoned off the area, and no one was injured.
Guests, please rest assured."
The broadcaster on TV was reporting on the chaos caused by Aventurine and Acheron earlier, but the guests below were all quite skeptical. "Excuse me, are you talking about the incident at Clock Studios Theme Park?"
"Huh? Yes, why... M-Miss Robin?! Am I seeing things?"
Miss Robin, who had supposedly turned into a little bird, had reappeared in the Golden Hour to comfort the frightened guests. And she began distributing a mysterious little button. "Accept this gift, little guest. It's a present prepared for you by the Family."
"Make sure to hold onto it well. When the Charmony Festival begins, and then—at the climax of the performance, press this button together with the person next to you..."
"Who knows... something very interesting might happen?"
Sparkle said delightedly.]
[March 7th]: "I knew it! This Robin is actually Sparkle in disguise!"
[Stelle]: "I suspect—no, I'm sure this button is definitely Sparkle's own doing and has nothing to do with the Family!"
[Rekk]: "Sparkle isn't just director material—she's also great actor material. It's a shame... she's a Masked Fool."
[Sparkle]: "Our great, famous Director Rekk is also great Masked Fool material. It's just a shame... he's a Memokeeper."
[Guinaifen]: "What is this? Mutual admiration?"
["Everything has returned to the beginning. You once stepped into the [Golden Hour] from here, and you will also step into the real [Penacony] from here."
"I'm very happy to travel with you again. Now that things have come to this, I can finally reveal the whole truth to you. As you can see... my other name is [Stellaron Hunter]
"You are... Firefly's soul?"
Learning that Firefly was safe, Stelle began joking. "I know you have many questions... Do you remember when we encountered [Death] in that unfamiliar dream? At that time, I was gripped by the Meme..."
"Just as it was about to strike, I saw the reflection of [another dream] in that terrifying pupil."
Firefly slowly explained everything that had happened before and her own actions to Stelle. "I completely understand now."
Stelle nodded thoughtfully. "I know it's hard to believe all this unconditionally. I just want to say that you're very close to the final answer. I only need to do one thing to prove it to you..."
"Next, let's leave this place... Please close your eyes."
Stelle closed her eyes and followed Firefly's gentle instructions. "Then take a deep breath, and visualize the outline of the dream in your mind. Remember... absolutely do not open your eyes."
"Don't be afraid. The one who will welcome us has arrived."
After a sharp screech, thick and fierce Memoria rushed into her chest, churning and raging. Consciousness was like scraps of paper in a whirlpool, crumbling and scattering into the rolling turbid flow.]
[Stelle]: "Wahh~ In this Penacony full of schemes and riddles, only gentle, cute, charming, kind Firefly can give me a sense of security~"
[March 7th]: "Eww~ Stelle, be serious, you're scaring me."
[Firefly]: "I-I'm not that great either..."
[Silver Wolf]: "You two... (pointing fingers)"
[Durandal]: "You Astral Express and Stellaron Hunters are practically like family now. Everything the Stellaron Hunters did in Penacony was for you Nameless..."
[Stelle]: "Because they're both my home, just like trash cans."
[Firefly & March 7th]: "...Uh."
[Inside a red car sat Firefly and Blade; "I never knew you could do something like this."
Blade gave an "Mhm" but remained silent. As if suddenly remembering something, Firefly asked: "...Do you have a driver's license?"
"That's really... unexpected."
Because this is the sinful city of Yepera?"
"Uh, no, nothing."
"I just think... you haven't slept for twenty system hours... Is that okay?"
Blane said flatly: "It's fine. I won't die. Neither of us will."
Firefly fell silent, instead growing more anxious: "I might not be so sure. Let's drive slower."]
[Silver Wolf]: "I never expected Blade to enjoy speeding?"
[Blade]: "..."
[March 7th]: "So Stellaron Hunter Blade isn't driving without a license?"
[Bronya Zaychik]: "Why is everyone concerned about this? Bronya doesn't think he got his license revoked by traffic police."
[Qingque]: "Trembling hands, fatigued driving, speeding—these buffs are almost maxed out."
[Stelle]: "Blade! What if there's a car accident? You might not care, but what about Firefly? It wouldn't be good if she got hurt!"
[...... "What about you? This time, can you obtain the [Death] you want?"
"As always, blank. He's not on this planet. Why ask suddenly?"
"Because I'm currently in a car being driven by someone fatigued... I hope it can arrive safely."
Blade remained silent for a moment before saying: "This car has autopilot. I'm just resting my hands on the steering wheel, okay?"
Firefly smiled slightly: "Just kidding."
"...Elio always says fate has only one path that no one can avoid. He can see the future, and we... also know our [predetermined endings]."
"But before that moment arrives, people can still choose what to do for themselves... We all have that right, right?"
"After today, Yepera's name will disappear from galactic history, and Ever-Flame Mansion will take its place. In the near future, you'll receive an invitation letter..."
"That will be your next destination."
"The land of dreams, Penacony." "I hope you find the answers you seek there... or perhaps, release."
Stelle opened her eyes to see Welt Yang waiting for her.]
[Guinaifen]: "Firefly's surface: Just kidding~; Reality: Yay! Autopilot!"
[Sushang]: "Blade: I'm also kidding~ The car doesn't have autopilot, and I don't have a license either!"
[Silver Wolf]: "LMAO, that's quite an image. I can't picture Blade taking a driver's test either."
[Blade]: "...I've piloted Star Skiffs before. And that car really did have autopilot."
[Stelle]: "Ah! Hearing Ever-Flame Mansion's name now makes me miss you, my imprisoned husband!"
[March 7th]: "It feels weird not having him spouting nonsense in the group chat anymore."............ Damn, played Hollow Knight all afternoon and almost got killed trying to explore on my own! Walkthroughs are so much better~