Chapter 307: Penacony Arc 『 Part Two 』
「 "The Planet of Festivities, Penacony, has announced that the renowned songstress Robin will be invited to perform at the Charmony Festival. As a long-standing tradition of the festive star, this grand ceremony occurs only once per Amber Era. The Charmony Festival gathers countless followers of The 『 Harmony 』 to pray for a beautiful future for the cosmos."
"Miss Robin, a galactic superstar who has garnered numerous top honors, is celebrated across the worlds for her heavenly voice. It is believed that during this celebration, Robin will sing a hymn in the name of the Family for the Star God of The 『 Harmony 』, marking the commencement of the festival."
"As is widely known, the Garden of Recollection has always been dedicated to reconstructing fallen civilizations, preserving the sparks of revival for the galaxy. Through the efforts of the Memokeepers, the Memoria fragments of Moonshield—a world once driven to extinction by the Antimatter Legion—have been fully salvaged. According to the Memokeepers' plan, it shall be reborn within the pure land of 『 Remembrance 』."
The news broadcast concluded. Seeing Stelle's look of profound concern for galactic affairs, Welt chuckled. "On the Family's home turf, there likely won't be any perilous adventures—a bit of a shame in my eyes, perhaps, but it is a rare chance to relax. You should enjoy it to the fullest."
Penacony was an entertainment destination renowned throughout the universe. Seizing the rare opportunity, Stelle sought out Dan Heng, intending to ask how everyone planned to spend their time. However, Dan Heng once again expressed his intention to remain aboard the Express, wishing them a wonderful time instead.
"You should really come along; it's a rare chance…"
"Thank you, I appreciate the sentiment, but I am not fond of overly boisterous places. Besides, someone must attend to the duties aboard the train." Considering Penacony was not the final stop of their journey, Dan Heng didn't pay it much mind, so long as everyone enjoyed themselves. 」
「 ..... 」
〜Naruto World〜
"That Dan Heng kid is bailing again? Honestly, I feel like I've seen this play out somewhere before…"
Tsunade rested her chin on her hand, a memory surfacing.
"It was just like this when they first arrived at Xianzhou. Luckily, Dan Heng caught up in the end. Now he's staying behind again—you don't think the same plot will repeat itself, do you?"
"Is that your gambler's intuition talking?"
Terumī Mei's red lips curled into a cold smirk.
"I'm not sure if Penacony will have an Emanator like Phantylia stirring up trouble, but it certainly won't be simple. Duke Inferno has already laid his cards on the table, declaring his intent to ruin the festival. The other factions won't just sit idly by; there's bound to be someone looking to fish in troubled waters."
Among the factions of 『 Harmony 』, 『 Preservation 』, 『 Elation 』, and 『 Remembrance 』, the IPC—representing 『 Preservation 』—seemed to have a deal to negotiate with the Family. This cooperation was of such magnitude and weight that Topaz believed it required a high-level executive of P46 or above to lead it personally.
Just as the Five Kage sat together to address the Akatsuki's capture of the Tailed Beasts, Onoki had ample reason to believe that to achieve cooperation and certain mutual interests, the IPC and the Family would likely join forces first to eliminate Duke Inferno and be done with it.
Gaara watched the celestial screen quietly, his voice calm.
"It is still strange. The Charmony Festival only happens once every Amber Era. Surely they could have simply not invited Duke Inferno. There was no need for the Family to let him in to cause chaos, was there?"
"If you don't let Duke Inferno in, do you think he won't just show up anyway?"
Terumī Mei elegantly lifted her teacup.
"The Annihilation Gang has slaughtered countless worlds. Do you think they are the type of people you can reason with? Either they kill everyone on Penacony, or they are killed by Penacony's forces… There is no third option."
—
「 March 7th was busy packing her luggage, so Stelle didn't disturb her further, silently sitting on the parlor car sofa to await the warp.
This warp felt the same as those before, and Stelle was gradually becoming experienced. She only needed to steady herself, close her eyes, and wait for the violent shaking of the carriage to subside.
"Warp jump commencing! Three, two, one…"
Pam's broadcast voice still echoed in her ears as Stelle reflexively gripped the armrests. But the expected turbulence did not arrive. Instead, a bizarre sensation of weightlessness took hold—as if someone had suddenly pulled the floor of the train out from under her feet.
Countless images flashed through her mind: a young girl in a long dress, the silhouette of a purple-haired woman, and a board game set out in the carriage…
"Another one…"
A cold female voice pierced through the chaos like a sliver of light. Stelle snapped her eyes open to find herself sitting in an unfamiliar room. She looked around in utter confusion, completely unable to fathom what had happened.
A pool of water sat within the room, its fluorescent glow casting a long shadow of the woman before her—beneath long purple hair, a woman with a striking countenance watched her quietly.
"…Come with me."
"Who are you?" Stelle eyed her warily.
The woman opened her mouth as if to speak, but after a brief hesitation, she shook her head. "These questions… are meaningless. But I will do my best to explain: this is the boundary between reality and the Memory Zone, a Dreamscape."
"At this very moment, you and I happen to share the same dream, appearing within each other's thoughts. This is the initial greeting the Land of Dreams offers us." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Honkai: Impact 3rd World〜
In the lounge of St. Freya High, the blue light of the celestial screen flickered. The moment that purple-haired figure appeared, Kiana "shredded" her way off the sofa, her eyes shining like spotlights fixed solely on the woman.
"Whoa! It's Mei! Another world's Mei!"
She waved her arms excitedly, looking as if she wanted to pounce on the screen.
"So cool! That vibe, that look! Ahhh, she's just too awesome!"
Mei, who had just finished training and was drinking bottled water, nearly choked at the sound. She coughed lightly, feeling the collective gaze of her classmates snap toward her, the tips of her ears turning slightly red.
"Kiana, not so loud…"
"But she really is cool!"
Kiana turned and grabbed Mei's arm.
"Even though you can tell it's her at a glance, that 'Mei' has changed so much—whether it's the tone of her voice or that icy expression… she's like the master swordsman in a movie who shows up at the very end to settle everything!"
Himeko smiled faintly.
"She certainly has the composure of the powerful."
Her gaze shifted to Mei.
"Though, I personally think…"
"Think what?"
Himeko deliberately drew out her words.
"I think—our Mei is still much more gentle and cute."
"Major Himeko!"
Mei's face went completely red as she gave Himeko a reproachful look for joining in the teasing.
Seele didn't join in the laughter. She stared at Acheron's lonely figure on the screen and said softly,
"But… that Mei looks like she's very lonely."
"That's just because my counterpart hasn't shown up yet! It's normal! Once my counterpart appears, the Mei on the screen won't have to be alone anymore."
As she spoke, Kiana became a bit anxious and frustrated, muttering indignantly,
"And another thing! When is my counterpart going to show up? Stelle has traveled through several places and hasn't run into her yet. She's way too good at hiding!"
—
( Translator-kun: Acheron's first appearance is here! )