Penecony. Hotel Lobby.
Aventurine put on his sunglasses.
He was preparing to head to the front desk to check in.
Not long ago, he had already reached a cooperation agreement with Ratio.
Ratio promised that once he finished handling matters at the university, he would follow shortly after.
Aventurine, meanwhile, needed to arrive first to complete part of his "scheme."
"Wait here," Aventurine said to the security personnel.
Then, he headed to the lobby alone.
The spacious, bright lobby was bustling with people.
Some small groups had even gathered to organize some kind of activity.
Aventurine didn't pay much attention at first.
But suddenly— Two people in front of him excitedly raised a sign and called out to him:
"Hey, friend! Hold on a second!"
"Do you acknowledge that Professor Veritas Ratio's wisdom is unparalleled in the universe?"
Aventurine: "?"
He took off his sunglasses.
Only then did he notice that the person was holding a life-sized standee of Ratio's in-game character art.
"Alright, alright…"
"Ratio, you really outdid yourself this time—now you've got die-hard fans across the entire galaxy."
Seeing the eager look on the other person's face, Aventurine played along and nodded.
"I acknowledge it."
"Great, thank you!"
The man looked satisfied and handed Aventurine a chibi-style sticker of the "Doctor Ratio."
He even politely stuck it onto Aventurine's suitcase.
"This is the 'Doctor Ratio's' blessing. May you have a wonderful day."
Aventurine nodded.
These players… were actually kind of cute.
But then—
Two Family security personnel suddenly approached.
With cold expressions, they said, "Who gave you permission to form a small group here and disturb guests during check-in?"
"The Family has strictly prohibited all content related to Honkai: Star Rail!"
The man immediately retorted, "What does the Family's ban have to do with us players?!"
Another player also protested, "We're here to experience the Dreamscape—what does it matter what game we play?!"
"Is this the so-called 'inclusiveness' of the Family?"
"Yeah, exactly—"
"Who isn't a Star Rail player these days? The Family's got some nerve, thinking they can just ban Honkai: Star Rail like this!"
The two sides were on the verge of an argument.
Even passersby joined in to back up the players.
The lobby manager hurried over to mediate.
But it seemed the two sides had received conflicting orders—The Family's security and the lobby manager actually started arguing among themselves.
The situation grew increasingly chaotic.
Aventurine appeared indifferent.
But every critical piece of information from the dispute was meticulously noted in his mind.
"'The Family has completely banned Honkai: Star Rail-related content'…?"
"Strange behavior…"
"In other words, the Family's leadership believes that future plot developments will be unfavorable to them."
"Simply put—they've got a guilty conscience."
A gambling chip appeared in Aventurine's hand.
He spun it lightly.
He felt the weight of this chip grow slightly heavier.
The lobby grew noisier.
Just as more and more people joined in denouncing the Family—
A large screen above the hotel lobby suddenly lit up.
The music of Interstellar Peace News began to play!
At the same time, all nearby ad screens and displays switched to the same broadcast!
In an instant, the entire hotel lobby was filled with the sound of Interstellar Peace News' theme.
"What's going on?"
"What's happening?"
Penecony's players, dream-seeking visitors, Family security, hotel staff—
Everyone stopped and turned their attention to the screen.
The reporter stood inside a spaceship cabin, facing the camera:
"Good evening, dear viewers."
"I am currently reporting from the perimeter of the 'Everflame Mansion!"
"Through the observation window behind me, you can see that the Interstellar Peace Corporation's fleet has surrounded the area."
"The operation to eliminate Duke Inferno of the 'Annihilation Gang' and his followers has entered its final phase!"
"There is no doubt that this vile Pyromaniac will face the punishment he deserves!"
"The Interstellar Peace Corporation remains committed to safeguarding the peace and security of all citizens across the cosmos..."
"This is Interstellar Peace Live, bringing you the latest updates on the battlefront!"
In that moment, hands gripping each other's collars loosened.
Compared to the major events unfolding in the universe, their petty squabble seemed insignificant.
The lobby manager breathed a sigh of relief.
This livestream had arrived at the perfect time, successfully diverting everyone's attention.
Otherwise, he had no idea how this situation would've been resolved.
What on earth is the Family's leadership thinking, picking a fight with Honkai: Star Rail?
At this point, the entire universe is playing Star Rail—this is just asking for backlash!
Meanwhile, players watching the livestream couldn't help but comment: "The IPC moves fast!"
"About time they took down Duke Inferno!"
"No way he's escaping this time!"
But then—
A sudden shift in the broadcast!
Something unexpected seemed to be happening!
Another fleet had broken through the IPC's blockade and arrived on the scene!
The reporter sounded tense:
"An unidentified fleet has breached the IPC's perimeter!"
"They appear to be equipped with some kind of new weaponry!"
"Are they reinforcements for the 'Everflame Mansion'?"
"Friend or foe?"
The IPC's defensive fleet immediately shifted into combat readiness, aiming their weapons at the newcomers.
However, the mysterious fleet seemed prepared for this.
They immediately transmitted their identification.
A massive emblem lit up above them.
The moment players saw it—
They erupted in excitement!
"That's… the logo of Herta Space Station?!"
"No wonder it looked familiar! It's our friends from the Space Station!"
"I heard on the forums that the Space Station was also planning to take down Duke
Inferno—didn't expect them to actually go through with it!"
"Perfect. Now Duke Inferno is definitely done for!"
Aventurine had already finished checking in, but he wasn't in a hurry to leave.
Instead, he stood with the crowd, watching the scene with great interest.
He had known in advance that the IPC was launching an operation against Duke Inferno.
But— Would the infamous Pyromaniac, who played such a major role in the game, really go down without a fight?
Perhaps…
There was still a twist waiting to unfold?
Herta Space Station.
Watching the livestream, the researchers burst into cheers!
"That's our fleet!"
"They actually pulled it off!"
"My warp technology is as reliable as ever!"
"Let the Annihilation Gang learn—the Space Station isn't to be trifled with!"
"Those who dare attack the Space Station will be hunted down to the ends of the universe!"
Only a small group of researchers had actually gone. The majority remained at the station, remotely controlling the operation.
This battle was planned with absolute certainty.
Asta spoke up: "Alright, next up—the battle against the 'Everflame Mansion'!"
"Stay sharp, everyone! All departments, get ready!"
"May victory be ours!"
She felt a hint of nervousness, but even stronger was her excitement and anticipation.
After fighting in the game for so long, this time— They were about to wage a real battle.
With the Space Station's technology and the IPC's military strength, this time— Duke Inferno was definitely in for a world of pain.
To be continued…