The video continued.
Wandering Alone in the Gilded Dream
After everyone dispersed, only Steluna remained, roaming aimlessly through the lavish halls of the hotel.
Her gaze drifted around until she spotted Welt standing near the bar, his expression mildly strained as he observed the overly extravagant décor. After a moment's thought, she walked over.
Welt sighed quietly.
"This place is... a bit too noisy for my tastes. Is this really how the galaxy's upper class lives?"
"Uncle Yang," Steluna said casually, "I wanted to ask you about the Clockmaker."
Welt considered it for a moment before replying.
"'The Clockmaker' is said to be a legendary figure in Penacony's history. His tale has been passed down for generations — an inspiration for countless dream-chasers who come to this Festival Star."
"He was fascinating enough that even his so-called legacy draws the attention of every major faction."
He paused slightly.
"But why would his name appear in the encrypted message… or what connection he has to the invitation… I can't say for certain."
Steluna frowned slightly.
"What about the Family? Who exactly are they?"
"The Family follows the Path of Harmony," Welt explained.
"They're renowned across the cosmos for their charity and compassion. Penacony's stability and prosperity are inseparable from their governance."
"However... some forces remain wary. They believe the Family's gentle words may conceal deeper intentions."
He adjusted his glasses.
"But for now, given their consistent hospitality toward guests, there's no reason to treat them as enemies."
Steluna nodded in relief.
"Good. That makes me feel better."
She then grinned.
"So after we enter the dream, where do you want to go, Uncle Yang?"
Welt smiled faintly.
"Penacony's dreamscape is divided into Twelve Moments. Personally, I'm interested in the Moment of the Sun — a dream that preserves Penacony's cultural and historical heritage."
"The Grand Penacony Museum, the Library of Awakening, the Origami Academy… such places might hold the truths we seek."
"Sounds like you already had everything planned out."
Steluna stretched lazily.
"Alright then, I won't bug you anymore. I'll keep exploring."
Before she left, Welt added gently:
"You can enter the true Penacony through the Dream Pool in your room. Once ready, step in. And… enjoy yourself."
A Rare Sight
March burst into laughter.
"Wow, it's rare seeing Uncle Yang so uncomfortable. Guess even he isn't used to places this luxurious."
"He's just lived too modestly for too long," Steluna declared.
"Uncle Yang, treat yourself! Eat! Drink! Take whatever you want! You've earned it!"
Himeko smiled warmly.
"She's right. When it's time to rest, you should truly rest."
Dan Heng nodded in agreement.
Welt hesitated, then sighed.
"...Alright. I'll try to enjoy it."
The Dream of Penacony
Ganyu spoke softly.
"From what Mr. Welt said, Penacony's dream world sounds extraordinary."
Yaoyao nodded eagerly.
"Mhm! I think it sounds really magical too!"
Mona folded her arms thoughtfully.
"To divide a dream into twelve separate 'moments'… what kind of mechanism could achieve such complexity?"
Tighnari adjusted his glasses.
"And he mentioned a Dream Pool. So Penacony's fame truly stems from its engineered dreamscape."
Dr. Ratio nodded.
"Correct. Penacony's reputation as the galaxy's ultimate resort rests entirely on its mastery over dreams."
Jean murmured in awe.
"An entire paradise founded upon dreams… truly unbelievable."
A Second Opinion
The scene shifted again.
Steluna wandered off and soon noticed Himeko seated elegantly on a sofa. Without hesitation, she approached.
"Not heading to bed yet?" Himeko asked with a soft smile.
"Lost? Or just looking for someone to chat with?"
"I'm bored," Steluna admitted. "So I wanted to hear your take on the Clockmaker."
Himeko's eyes softened slightly.
"When speaking of Penacony, one must inevitably mention the Clockmaker — a household name here. A titan of industry, a self-made legend."
"Wealth, honor, influence… he forged it all with his own hands and became the very symbol of dreams."
"But how much of that is truth remains unknown. Even his origins are debated. Some believe he never truly existed — merely a persona created by the Family."
She sipped her drink lightly.
"As for this invitation… I don't believe it truly connects to the Clockmaker. His 'legacy' feels more like bait than truth."
Steluna blinked.
"And what about Aventurine?"
Himeko's gaze sharpened.
"A silver-tongued company envoy. A flamboyant opportunist. A charming gambler with far too many masks."
Her lips curved slightly.
"My instincts tell me he has more depth than he shows. Until the situation clarifies, we maintain cordial relations — but stay vigilant."
Plans and Dreams
"So where are you headed once we enter the dream?" Steluna asked curiously.
Himeko smiled.
"The Twelve Dreamscapes guide people differently. But personally, I'm interested in the Moment of Scorching Sands. It evokes the spirit of the Trailblaze — festivals, taverns, wandering winds."
"And the Moment of Dawn's Dew is also attractive… a good opportunity to meet the Family directly."
Steluna groaned.
"So everyone already has plans huh? Guess I'm the only one who didn't prep at all."
She waved weakly and left to find March.
A Noisy Surprise
Before she even knocked, she heard an excited voice.
"Woah! This bathtub is HUGE!"
Steluna pushed the door open.
March turned, eyes sparkling.
"You too?! Can't sleep because you're too excited?"
Actually, I just wanted to know where you're planning to go," Steluna replied.
"Easy! The Moment of Dusk!" March declared enthusiastically.
"It's the shopping paradise! I'm gonna fill every bag I own!"
"And after that, evening gown time! Then straight to the Grand Penacony Theater to hear Miss Robin live!"
Her expression softened slightly.
"Though… her voice earlier did sound a bit tired."
"Maybe the Galaxy Tour wore her out. Still, performing despite that? Truly a model idol."
Then she grew animated again.
"By the way, Stell— this 'Grand Celebration' doesn't feel normal anymore, does it? Feels like a mystery novel!"
"Could be betrayals, drama, bloodshed—"
"Bloodshed?!" Steluna's eyes lit up.
"I WANNA SEE CHAOS!"
March burst out laughing.
"I was joking! No way that'll happen."
She waved dismissively.
"Relax. With Uncle Yang and Himeko around, we're totally safe. Let's just enjoy our vacation."
"True…"
Steluna stretched.
"Alright, rest well. I'm heading to my room too."
Reality Check
Back in the chat...
Steluna sighed.
"So everyone already had plans… and I'm the only one clueless."
Dan Heng raised an eyebrow.
"I sent you a full Penacony guide. Didn't you read it?"
"Uh..."
She looked away.
"I might've forgotten?"
Dori clapped her hands excitedly.
"Forget 'might' — that Clockmaker is DEFINITELY rich!"
Paimon gasped.
"A giant legacy in Penacony?! Whoever gets it becomes rich overnight!"
Lumine hesitated.
"But so many big factions are here… wouldn't we just get bullied?"
Steluna smirked confidently.
"Stick with me. No one will dare touch you."
Then she announced loudly:
"YOU GUYS HANDLE THE SCREAMING — I'LL HANDLE THE SLAUGHTER!"
The Crowd Replies
Paimon: "GA GA!! GA GA!!"
Lumine: "GA GA +1"
Furina: "Can I join too?! I scream very professionally!"
Itto: "My ga ga is louder than all of yours!!!"
Kuki Shinobu: "...That's unfortunately true."
The chat exploded into laughter once more.
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