As the barrage flew across the screen—
Silent until now, Firefly walked toward Stelle with a hint of sorrow and melancholy.
And with her first words, viewers felt a second wave of emotion,
"I have to say goodbye to you all."
"Because I'm about to greet my death once again..."
--------------------------------------
Firefly's words not only startled the audience.
In the scene, Stelle and March 7 also widened their eyes.
"What do you mean, Firefly, you… you're not coming with us?" Stelle hurriedly asked.
Firefly shook her head, her eyes flickering. At this moment, she had already understood what the script Elio gave her meant.
But the details could not be told to the Astral Express.
So she could only say seriously:
"The plan of Order is not something achieved overnight. Behind it lies the massive consciousness nurtured by the Planet of Festivities for hundreds of years."
"Those desires to dream, the laziness that longs to sleep, and… escape, giving up…"
"The emotions people are unconsciously induced to feel have become the foundation of Order's cradle of beautiful dreams."
"They are using the will of an entire world to usher in the birth of an Aeon."
At this point, Firefly said firmly: "Before setting out, there were only a few lines on the script given to me by fate's slave. One of them said… I will experience three 'deaths' in the land of dreams."
"The first death is a painful one. When I was pierced by Slumber, I understood its meaning. And now, I also understand the meaning of the second death—sacrificing action."
"Only this way can the final death not be presented in the worst way."
What she could tell everyone, Firefly had already said.
The current situation was extremely critical, and what she was about to do might be the key to turning the tide.
Even if the cost was herself.
And the so-called terrible third death—
Even if Stelle and March 7th were slow, they could react by now.
That would mean everyone in Asdana would fall into the delusion of Order's dream—that would be true "death."
...
: Wuwuwu, Firefly is really… sobbing.
: She's clearly going to die, but she talks about it so lightly...
: Ahhh, no matter what! Firefly must survive this great battle!
: If they really let Firefly die! I'll make Mihoyo feel my rage after being emotionally stabbed for a whole episode!
: Stop talking about death all the time! Firefly, don't set a flag!
...
Even though the audience didn't know exactly what Elio told Firefly, they could still see a sense of determination in her.
That was the greatest charm of this girl.
A weak girl who should only exist in innocent and beautiful stories, yet she could display such a contradictory and vivid presence.
Who wouldn't like a girl like this?
And just after Firefly finished speaking, Himeko didn't say much more. She sincerely blessed her, "Thank you again for your help to the Astral Express. Wishing you safety in the real world."
"Mm, goodbye, everyone. May your journey of 'Trailblazing' never end."
After exchanging blessings, a rhythm that protected hearts from sorrow began to play.
The two groups no longer hesitated and turned around to walk their predetermined paths.
The Express crew stepped onto the floating platform to leave.
After stepping on the platform, Himeko turned and solemnly asked, "Everyone, are you ready?"
Stelle and March 7th nodded firmly.
And Firefly also retracted her gaze that had been following Stelle. She blinked slightly, and then wiped away the complex emotions hidden in her eyes.
She took out a voice changer glowing with blue light and placed it in front of her chest.
Then, it activated!
Under pale blue flames, SAM's armor began to equip piece by piece onto her limbs.
"I dreamed of a scorched earth."
"A newly sprouted bud broke through the soil. It bloomed toward the morning sun and responded to destiny."
"Fireflies rushing into the fire! Rebirth in death!"
On screen, only Firefly's head wrapped in armor remained.
Her eyes were filled with unwavering determination, burning like fire, and she charged!
In an instant.
SAM flew into the air, going in the opposite direction from the rising Express crew.
...
: So intense! There's no rousing music, but it's still incredibly hype!
: Firefly and the Express crew run toward the same goal from different directions! This scene feels amazing!
: The background music is also great, so full of that dreamy vibe, yet still oppressive!
: The big battle's next, right?! Awesome! I want to see Stelle use her new power and bonds to fiercely smash Sunday!
: No matter what difficulties, I believe the Nameless can overcome them!
...
At this farewell before the decisive battle, there was no rousing rallying speech, and it even felt different from previous battle preps.
But the audience didn't notice anything wrong.
Instead, they got excited because of Firefly's transformation.
Especially when the two groups ran in opposite directions—there was a sense of fated confrontation with destiny!
It still made the audience feel very cool and excitedly look forward to what's next.
But just as the two groups disappeared at the screen's edge—
The selection venue was gradually covered by a blue light.
Once the blue light faded, the scene returned to Dream Reef.
"Didn't expect it, old man. That wild plan of yours actually came true."
"Are all you Nameless just a bunch of impulsive fools?"
Next to Mikhail's sleeping chair, Gallagher muttered to himself.
As if speaking to himself, or reminiscing to someone no longer there.
"But I can feel it—the false dream is about to end."
"Those Nameless are young, but they really do have the ability to pull this off… just like you guys back then."
At this point, Gallagher suddenly thought of something and smiled freely:
"Such a pity, you didn't get to witness this scene yourself. I'm probably not lucky enough either. Once fiction is seen through, it ceases to exist."
After finishing, Gallagher crossed his arms, eyes full of ease and freedom.
He remembered the days with Mikhail, cursed by those damn bastards.
Back then, he was furious. But now, he just felt a trace of nostalgia.
"Those guys cursed us back then, told us to go to hell, called us traitors."
"Mikhail, I don't know if what they said was true, but if striving for freedom means going to hell…"
"Then I'll be joining you soon, Mikhail."
"Let us toast to you in hell. Oh right, here's a drink to honor you—Stelle."
"To the endless… tomorrow!"
Just when the audience was getting ready to excitedly welcome the upcoming final battle—
Suddenly, a flying knife fell from the sky.
It plunged straight into the foreheads of the unsuspecting viewers.
Blood flowed, and they were all dumbfounded.
...
: No, bro! Weren't we about to get that final battle?! Where the hell did that knife come from?!
: Damn! You had to sneak in another twist even now? MiHoYo, you bastard!
: Shit! Clockie's going to be the one left behind now!
: Why do other shows insert flashbacks at times like this, but old Mihoyo stabs us every chance they get?! AHH! My Gallagher!
: Damn it! Another one dies while casually chatting!