An endless sense of security overflowed from It. As It wielded its giant hammer, it seemed to move the entire universe.
“Push open those solemn city gates,” they said, “Pick up the lapis lazuli tablets. Read aloud what the mud bricks are refined from, and for whom the foundation of those walls was laid!”
Company Employee 1: All for the Amber Lord.
Company Employee 2: All for the Amber Lord.
Aventurine: All for the Amber Lord.
Jade: All for the Amber Lord.
Topaz: All for the Amber Lord.
...Scott: All for the Amber Lord. (Scott: I really want to make progress.)
Bronya: Is this the magnificent figure of the Amber Lord? Mother... you...
Gepard: In the name of Preservation!
After the screen dimmed slightly...
harmony
“Then,” they said, “you who have reached the end, go to the all-encompassing paradise.”
“Join this grand hymn and feast, listen to the beating of billions and billions of hearts, and be embraced.”
As the images played, depicting Joy, Gluttony, Purity, the propagation, and Balance, the screen finally settled on Memory... However, Black Swan, hiding in the shadows, was now drenched in sweat... No, is this right?
As the Astral Express passed by, accompanied by Black Swan's call to Akivili, the images related to the Aeons concluded.
But the information in this last segment sent a shockwave through various forces across the universe. Akivili is a Trailblazer... Who does this Trailblazer refer to?
As the video finished playing, the live stream fell into a deathly silence...
Elio: What are you all frozen for? Speak!
Star: Speak.
Silver Wolf: Has Elio been stimulated by something? How did he become...
Kafka: Hmm, listen to me, I'll help you with some therapy when I get back.
March 7th: Wait, is the last segment hinting at something?
Himeko: Miss Black Swan, are you interested in being a guest on the Astral Express?
Pam: Pam also has something to ask...
Jing Yuan: A time of many troubles...
Jade: Miss Black Swan, may I ask where you are at the moment? The Interastral Peace Corporation is willing to offer you the best possible terms for cooperation.
Garden of Recollection: Black Swan, report your location, we'll send you something good.
Qingque: Hiss~ After watching this, I don't even feel like slacking off anymore.
Fu Xuan: ? Qingque! At a time like this? You still have the mood to slack off?!
Qingque: I'm innocent...
Huohuo: I... I feel like something big is definitely going to happen...
Tail: What's there to be afraid of? The sky won't fall...
Polka: An unknown variable...
Herta: I'm becoming more and more curious about you, Star.
Ruan Mei: I wonder if you could introduce her to me?
Astral Express
Star was surrounded by everyone... “Are you really the protagonist?” March 7th leaned in to examine Star, seemingly trying to uncover Star's hidden secrets.
“Probably?” Star scratched her head awkwardly. Being stared at by everyone made Star a little embarrassed, after all, she had only just been born not long ago... Just as others were about to continue their inquiries, Kafka, who had seemingly left, reappeared in the carriage.
“Alright, everyone, there was a small interlude just now. Now, let me reintroduce myself, I am Kafka.”
“No need for self-introductions. I recognize you, Stellaron Hunters.” Himeko interrupted mercilessly... “Since that's the case, I won't say anything superfluous. My purpose in coming this time is to request that you change the Astral Express's course.”
“We have no reason to heed your advice.” Himeko refused decisively, showing no weakness.
“The Xianzhou Loufu, do you know it? Not long ago, a Stellaron erupted there. I bring you this news; whether to go or not is up to you. Oh, and one more thing, if you don't go, half of the residents of the Xianzhou will perish because of it. Believe it or not, it's up to you.” Kafka finished speaking and left without waiting for anyone to react.
Everyone was silent for a moment... “What do you all think?” Himeko asked.
“I think it's worth going. The leader of the Stellaron Hunters—Elio—claims to be a slave to destiny and possesses the ability to foresee the future. Moreover, he is currently sitting in the live stream. The probability of this being true is not small...” Welt replied.
“I also don't think Kafka would lie to me.” Star said with a serious expression.
“You shouldn't be fooled by pretty older sisters. She looks very dangerous.” March 7th said helplessly.
“I don't want to go.” Dan Heng said simply and clearly.
“Hmm, then let's start voting...” Himeko nodded, already having her own answer in her heart.
The result was obvious, the next stop: Xianzhou Loufu.
“Ahem, all passengers please sit down and hold on tight. Next stop, Xianzhou Loufu.”
Interastral Peace Corporation Strategic Investment Department.
“The universe has ushered in new variables; we need to reconsider the plan for the recapture of Penacony.” Topaz said seriously, holding March.
“Three chips are enough. Even if an accident occurs, I am confident I can win everything.” Aventurine said, feigning relaxation, playing with a few chips in his hand. But no one noticed that sweat was already seeping from the palm of his other hand below... Just then, Jade walked in. She looked at Aventurine and Topaz and said:
“Diamond has new instructions. This plan remains the same, but there's an additional condition and an extra task.
Condition: Do not antagonize the Astral Express unless absolutely necessary, or unless the value created far exceeds the cost incurred.
Task: According to the Interastral Peace Corporation's intelligence network, it can be concluded that Miss Black Swan will appear in Penacony. During this operation, investigate her background. Diamond is skeptical of the information that the elegant Recollection is a Memokeeper.”
Aventurine gave a bitter smile: “This really makes things difficult for me. Although I'm quite confident myself, such a task is still challenging for me. After all, if the intelligence is correct, in front of a Memokeeper, my hidden chips are meaningless. However... such a gamble makes it even more exciting...”
“Although I don't know what kind of schemes are brewing in your beautiful eyes, it's still better to be careful. Diamond will also be closely monitoring this matter.
By the way, Xiao Yelina, I remember you still have a task to collect a debt on an ice planet, don't you? You need to handle it as soon as possible. Afterwards, you'll have new arrangements for Penacony.”
Jade said to the two with a gentle expression, her words containing care and trust for them, as in some ways, she had watched them grow up.
Penacony
“If the Interastral Peace Corporation's envoys and the members of the Astral Express are destined to break this ‘harmony,’ then I will no longer hold back in this game. After all, an overly benevolent host will be seen as weak by guests, won't they?” Sunday said to Gefei Mu with a calm tone, as if discussing the weather, yet hiding an undeniable resolve.