Chapter 180
[The Dreamjolt Troupe; "You returned faster than expected. Did you get a result?"
Himeko nodded: "Yes... Now, it's our turn to pave the way forward."
Gallagher chuckled with relief: "Hmph, since his final wish has been delivered, my last task is complete."
"However, don't mind me saying this—having fighting spirit is good, but the path Mikhail left for you isn't easy..."
"Otherwise, why would he choose to sleep in solitude, placing all his bets on you nameless travelers of the future?"
"But you have numbers. Heh, at least you'll have a chance to lose slower."
"You're quite the motivational speaker, huh."
March 7th crossed her arms with some dissatisfaction. Since the goal was set, they began discussing their plan of action. After all, even if it were negotiations, this was the Family's home turf. Just as they were at a loss, March 7th came up with an idea: participate in the audition show. As long as they won first place, they could enter the theater earlier than regular audience members. Himeko agreed with March 7th's plan and hoped Gallagher would join too, but Gallagher regretfully said: "...I'm afraid I don't have that time anymore. As a [fictional] character... I've completed my final task. Whether Penacony can awaken from its dream now depends entirely on you."]
[Kiana]:"Wait, isn't Firefly a Stellaron Hunter? How does she fit so seamlessly with the Express crew!?"
[Stelle]:"Hehe, Firefly's been one of us for a long time now!"
[March 7th]:"See, see! In the end, it still comes down to our brilliant March 7th!"
[Elysia]:"An audition venue? Oh! Are we going to become big stars?♪"
[Qingque]:"But... did Gallagher ultimately fade away?"
[Gallagher]:"Perhaps in the video, but the real me is still alive and well right now."
[The three Nameless plus Firefly successfully arrived at the audition venue. As the final batch of contestants, they received enthusiastic cheers from various reporters! "Hello everyone, I'm Himeko from the Astral Express, a Nameless.
These are my fellow travelers."
Firefly whispered quietly: "Um... shouldn't you be hiding your identities?"
March 7th also responded softly: "No point hiding anymore. All of Penacony is covered with our posters... But precisely because everyone knows the Astral Express, the Family doesn't dare act recklessly."
"Hello everyone, I'm Three-Seven-Seven, an ordinary girl who loves adventure!"
Seeing everyone introduce themselves, Firefly followed suit: "Hello everyone, I'm Firefly, um... also an ordinary girl who loves adventure."
To reach their destination quickly, on Himeko's suggestion, they split into two groups: Himeko and March 7th in one group, Firefly and Stelle in the other.]
[Kiana]:"Why was Firefly's first reaction about why they weren't hiding their identities?"
[Raiden Mei]:"Kiana, did you forget? Firefly is a Stellaron Hunter, wanted throughout the universe."
[Seele Vollerei·Dark]:"Tch, don't forget the Astral Express has been wanted plenty of times too!"
[March 7th]:"Well... actually not that many times..."
[Silver Wolf]:"A girl who loves adventure... Firefly, are you planning to go adventuring in SAM?"
[Firefly]:"That, that, yes! The process of hunting Stellarons can count as adventure too! Exactly!"
[Stelle and Firefly began completing challenges together. Though the performances were somewhat difficult, they couldn't stump Stelle with her astonishing wisdom!
With Firefly's cooperation and a little cheating using Clockie's tricks, they quickly reached the final challenge—the Superstar Challenge! Facing them was the familiar Silver Wolf. "[Beauty's] glory above, I never imagined we would meet again. Your warm faces in this restless moment are like spring breeze, soothing my heart like hot sand!"
"I learned the festival was imminent and had the [Rarity] push full throttle to bring me to Penacony. Yet the galaxy without [Beauty's] gaze is utterly turbid—I was delayed greatly on my way here while saving lives..."
"Fortunately, all thirty-two distressed souls—dwarf mecha pilots, wandering cat duelists, galactic ninja quadcopter intelligences—have safely overcome their crises... I brought everyone here together to share harmony with thousands of beautiful lifeforms."
Though Stelle explained the situation to Silver Wolf, for the sake of his beliefs, Silver Wolf still fought Stelle. After their victory, they headed toward their final destination.]
[March 7th]:"Never thought you two would clear it faster than me and Himeko."
[Stelle]:"Of course! I, the Galaxy Baseball Bat Warrior, am top-tier in both acting and combat! Plus I have the best partner in Firefly!"
[Kafka]:"It's been so long since I've seen Firefly smile so genuinely from the heart."
[Herrscher of Sentience]:"This abstract level of acting counts as good? You even used Clockie's tricks—how is this any different from me using my authority to make people shout 'Long live the Herrscher of Sentience'?"
[Guinaifen]:"You just don't get it, do you? Do viewers watch variety shows for acting skills nowadays? No, they just want to see entertaining chaos!"
[Boothill]:"Well I'll be damned. So Silver Wolf's still out there doing good deeds across the universe."
[Argenti]:"My future dear friend, this is my defense of [Beauty], safeguarding beauty throughout the galaxy!" ["Congratulations to you both for becoming the Festival Superstars of this Harmonia Festival. Before entering the Grand Theater..."
Sunday said: "On behalf of the organizers, I extend sincere blessings to you.
May you find joy under His radiance."
Though it was Sunday who appeared, Stelle's thoughts were on her reward: "Just congratulations? Where's my grand prize?"
"Your efforts indeed deserve more rewards, and I did prepare something. However, this reward isn't material... but an opportunity for open disclosure."
Sunday said gently: "As promised previously. I, my sister, and Mr. Welt have met with the Dreammaster, engaging in thorough discussions regarding the truth about Penacony and the Stellaron, and have reached a consensus—"
"—The Oak Family and I cannot grant your request."]
[Qingque]:"As everyone knows, what phrases like 'thorough exchange of views' mean in diplomatic language..."
[Sushang]:"What do they mean?"
[Jiaoqiu]:"Look it up yourself. Also, Sushang, you really need to catch up on your studies."
[March 7th]:"This is... completely failed negotiations? Did something happen to Uncle Yang again?"
[Einstein]:"That shouldn't be possible. Sunday has no reason to do that."