[I bet a pack of spicy strips, this thing is definitely a foreshadowing.]
[I bet two packs of spicy strips.]
[Is Black Swan a good guy or a bad guy?]
[No prophet here, who dares to give her a gold badge?]
Caelus glanced at the item in his hand, a card featuring a portrait of Black Swan. Though puzzled, he still expressed his gratitude, "Thank you."
"Next… I have some personal matters to attend to, regarding that Ranger of the Galaxy. Let's part ways here. The next time we meet, what interesting memories will you bring… I'm looking forward to it." Before her words fully settled, Black Swan's figure vanished before Caelus.
Before Caelus could marvel at her finesse, his phone buzzed. It was a message from the Astral Express crew. After a brief exchange, the group planned to meet near the Clockie statue.
The scene shifts. Subtitles appear. Some time ago, deep within the Memory Zone.
"You should draw that blade," Sam's mech blazed with roaring flames, "Ranger." Acheron gripped her sword tightly, "Hunter, do you still dream? Dream of those who died because of you?"
The scene shifts again. Days earlier, at the Ever-Flame Mansion. Acheron's blade pointed at a burning goat's head. He was gravely wounded, looking utterly disheveled. Subtitles marked his name: "Duke Inferno."
He spoke faintly, "It seems the outcome was decided long ago." Acheron advised, "They're still alive, and so are you. You still have a choice. Leave that music box and go."
Duke Inferno shook his head, his tone unyielding, "Choice? The path of Destruction leaves no room for hesitation." "Ifrit of Tophat," Acheron sighed, "Even if you offer your life to that Aeon, you won't earn Their favor."
"Ranger, you walk the narrow path of The Hunt, so naturally, you cannot understand. We come from fire, born in flames, spreading, burning, destroying, until the fuel is exhausted, leaving only ashes. Burning is the life of a fire demon, its beginning and end. We are born to die, merely to embody one facet of the universe's truth: all things exist for Destruction."
"Your companions don't seem to agree. They fought for your chance to live."
"They are my children, like I once was—unignited sparks, still young. I don't blame them. But my flames have grown hoarse, and time is running short. Do you see the star of the grand gala in the distance? I will bring inferno there—so before that, I must surpass you."
Acheron, puzzled, asked, "Why?"
"Because on the path They forged, you've gone further than I have…" Duke Inferno's final words carried weight, "Emissary."
Acheron remained silent, watching quietly. "You cannot hide your identity. Draw that blade. We will stay here, destined to fight to the death, because I choose to. Destruction is a glorious moment. To cling to a higher existence… that life would be far too long."
Acheron assumed a stance to draw her sword, "Even if the answer… is your own destruction?"
Duke Inferno remained fearless, "The answer doesn't matter; what matters is its existence, just as you exist. Everything exists to be destroyed—even an Emissary is no exception. Even in the void, Penacony can be born. The so-called impossible is merely what has yet to come."
"Very well, I accept your challenge."
"You will witness the most radiant and violent flame in this world. May this burning light up your bottomless dream."
"Bottomless dream… indeed. But you're mistaken about one thing. This blade remains sheathed not out of pity or disdain. It is a secret I choose not to reveal, but as a gesture in return…"
As she spoke, her hand rested lightly on the sword's guard. "I'll be honest with you. The Hunt… is not the path I walk."
The screen went black, accompanied only by the sound of a long blade being drawn. "May death end your endless dream… and guide you back to the waking world."
[Oh, what?]
[There's something here. miHoYo set up Duke Inferno's character so quickly.]
[The dialogue is so well done! Even though you can't see any expression on that goat head, you can feel the Duke's resolve to fight until the end!]
[Don't laugh at the person, laugh at the meme. The Duke is a real man!]
[Man!]
The scene returns to Acheron confronting Sam. Acheron lowered her blade, "I still dream. Stand down. Your time hasn't come."
The flames on Sam's body faded, "My time?"
"I've seen many clever disguises that can hide appearances but not the heart. You're no exception. That Trailblazer—you didn't intend to kill him. You acted only to separate me from that Memokeeper… Why?"
Sam: "…"
"Was it The Slave of Fate who told you to do this?"
Sam flinched, "You know Elio."
"I thought it would be written in your script."
"My script is always just a few lines. Anything beyond that is unnecessary and unneeded. He knows my nature: there's only one fate, and no one can escape it—but until then, I have the right to choose. You, however, seem unaware, so it's my turn to ask: Who exactly are you?"
"Perhaps not your enemy."
"That's not an answer."
"I'm not worth your curiosity. Those who wander the galaxy alone always have secrets. It's not surprising that I, someone wanted by the IPC, would know a bit about the Stellaron Hunters… and that's all. Maybe I can help you."
"Why would you do that?"
"I often forget things, so instead of relying on memories, I'm used to capturing things through feelings. So—I know who's inside that cold armor. How about it? Ready to take off the armor and talk?"
[Hold on a second!]
[Cold armor?]
[Who's inside? Tell us! TELL US!]
[Sam's probably some new character, right?]
[I feel like Acheron saw through Sam's identity, and now he's being all polite.]
[Yeah, why is that?]
Sam responded courteously, "Not yet. I don't need help, but I can offer you a suggestion—for both our sakes. If your goal is the Watchmaker's Legacy, investigate the Family. They're not only concealing the existence of Death but also hiding the past and truth of the Dreamscape."
Acheron's gaze was resolute, "I'm already doing that." Sam continued, "And the Astral Express isn't your enemy."
"I know that… I just didn't expect to hear it from you. What's next? The Trailblazer was taken by Black Swan. Are you going after him?"
"No need for that… I'll tell you this: Elio's instruction to me was simple—Make the Astral Express pursue the grand legacy together. I tried a more straightforward approach to settle this, but as you can see, here I am, facing you—I failed. The script cannot be defied."
"The so-called impossible is merely what has yet to come… Fine. Before we part, may I ask one more question? Does your script mention anything about me? I want to know what footnote I leave in the future foreseen by fate."
"Regrettably, not a word."
"Not surprising." Acheron sheathed her tachi and turned to leave.
"Wait—" Sam called out, stopping Acheron. "I don't." Acheron glanced back, "What?"
"Your first question—Do you still dream, dream of those who died because of you? I don't. I never have. I was born without the capacity to dream. I live for cold reality, burning for a spark of light… burning endlessly until I turn to ash. So, I envy you."
"Is that so…" Acheron's lips curved into a smile.
"Then you're already living in the waking world."
[So, how did Sam enter the Dreamscape?]
[Wait, Sam's helping the Astral Express too?]
[Why are the Stellaron Hunters and the Astral Express at odds with each other?]
[My head's itchy—I'm growing a brain!]
[So annoying, all these cryptic people talking. I'm done!]
[Says they're done but reads more than anyone.]
Meanwhile, at the Golden Hour. The Astral Express quartet looked at Caelus with heartache. March 7th comforted, "We heard about Miss Firefly from Black Swan… but to think, even Miss Robin…"
Himeko patted Caelus' shoulder, "I'm sorry… I wasn't there for you then." After the sorrow, the group began analyzing the situation.
After some discussion, Welt Yang suggested temporarily cooperating with Aventurine. It was clear they didn't fully trust Aventurine; it was merely a strategic move for better observation.
Caelus immediately messaged Aventurine, "We agree to your cooperation request."
Aventurine replied almost instantly, "Nice, nice, faster than I expected. Now we're grasshoppers on the same rope. Happy cooperation—here's a little gift for good luck!" A transfer of 100,000 credits followed.
Caelus, eyeing the hefty sum, wondered if he could push for more, "That's it? Feels average. Rich guy, send another 100,000 to show your strength."
Aventurine, ever generous, sent another 100,000 credits. Caelus gasped, "That impressive?"
With the deal struck, the group divided tasks. Welt Yang had other matters to handle and would act alone. Himeko took Caelus and March 7th back to reality to check the situation, confirming whether death in the Dreamscape affects reality.
After the others left, Welt Yang spoke softly, "Honored guest, care to show yourself?"
Hearing footsteps, Welt Yang turned slowly, his face showing shock, "Honkai's still chasing me?"
"It's a bit awkward being stared at like that," Acheron replied stiffly. "My apologies. I'm Welt Yang, a member of the Astral Express. I believe you've met my companions."
"Welt…" Welt Yang, puzzled, asked, "Is something wrong with the name?"
"Before that, won't you ask my name?" Welt Yang crossed his arms, "No need, Miss Acheron. You're quite the celebrity in Penacony."
"What are they saying about me?" "Some claim you're the true culprit behind the serial murders—the Annihilation Gang invited to the banquet met their demise by your blade, and now you're trying to stir up another bloodbath in Penacony."
Acheron narrowed her eyes, trying to recall, "Annihilation Gang?" "Ifrit of the Ever-Flame Mansion."
"Met their demise… That Duke, in his dying state, turned to blazing flames, sacrificing himself for his path. He was a resolute, glorious follower of his fate, and even as a villain, he doesn't deserve such slander. Besides, there are plenty of suspicious figures invited here. Do they truly believe… a single long blade is more dangerous than the black hole in you're wielding?"
"Keen intuition. Even the Family couldn't discern the true nature of this cane," Welt Yang adjusted his glasses. "So you must realize, Miss Acheron, peering into a black hole isn't wise. As a potential threat, your knowledge of us is unsettlingly thorough—
Reveal your true identity and Intentions. Otherwise, brace yourself for gravitational disintegration."
Acheron smiled faintly, "That's unlikely to happen… but if it eases the Nameless' guard, I'm happy to oblige.
Whether you believe it or not, Ranger of the Galaxy, Acheron… that's my identity now. I came to Penacony for an old last wish. I'm here for the Watchmaker's Legacy… that's all. I believe I've been honest enough."
"You still won't reveal your true identity?"
"It's not that I won't, but that I can't… The path I've walked is too long, and the burdens I carry can't be explained in a few words. Everyone has a past they don't speak of, secrets they don't easily share… I won't ask why the Astral Express roams the galaxy with a Stellaron."
Welt Yang fell silent, "…"
"How's Caelus? That Memokeeper… she didn't do anything, did she?"
Welt: "The Trailblazer is safe. Back to our topic—whether I trust you depends on how much you're willing to reveal."
Acheron and Welt Yang prepared to exchange the information they'd gathered.
[Why's Welt Yang looking at Acheron like that?]
[What's with "Honkai's still chasing me?"]
[No clue!]
[No idea, probably another case of miHoYo sneaking in their private stash.]
[Why does Acheron feel a bit like a natural airhead?]
At the same time, in the hotel in reality. Black Swan entered a certain room.
"I've been watching her for a long time. The first invitation was at the hotel's banquet hall. She sat in a corner of the crowd, silent, just drinking As Light As Daybreak, one glass, two glasses… I said this drink is spicy and bitter, not the taste of sweet dreams, only suited for those tired of Spritzer. But she said…"
"Is that so? But to me… they taste no different."
"The guest room in reality is surprisingly plain… …just like your exterior, Miss Acheron. No effort at all. This music box—the invitation the Annihilation Gang received…"