Penecony, The Family.
Before Sunday's eyes, a Nightjar stood silently atop a statue, its pale eyes glimmering faintly.
This creature, in truth, represented the "Dreammaster" of Penecony—the true leader of the Family's branch in this dreamland.
At this moment, Sunday's expression was cold.
Screens unfolded before them, displaying scenes from across Penecony:
Players in the hotel lobby collectively protesting against the Family.
Corporate envoys pressuring the Family.
And on every giant screen in the Golden Hour, Sleepless Night playing on loop.
"There's no way to contain this anymore," Sunday said calmly.
"Forgive my bluntness, Dreammaster, but you should never have taken such measures in the first place."
The Nightjar spoke in a human voice:
"This thing called Honkai: Star Rail will expose the [True God] we revere."
"If the world learns that the Aeon we truly worship is not the Harmony Xipe but the Order Tayzzyronth, who was consumed by Xipe..."
"The consequences would be unbearable for us."
Sunday nodded.
"Indeed, when I first learned that Honkai: Star Rail's storyline would reach Penecony, I too felt a moment of panic—worried that our [Grand Undertaking] might be prematurely exposed."
"Even my sister's disappearance became a secondary concern."
"But..."
"Upon reflection, I realized—isn't this a heaven-sent opportunity? A trial bestowed upon us by the Wings of Harmony?"
The Nightjar's eyes flickered. Though expressionless, it was clearly deep in thought.
Sunday continued:
"I've studied the game developed by Yu Ling. While the nominal protagonists are the Nameless of the Astral Express, the narrative isn't entirely biased in their favor."
"Rather, it presents the experiences of all characters in a relatively objective manner."
"Take the Stellaron Hunters, for example. Before this game's release, they were universally feared as terrorists."
"Yet now, they've become objects of fascination for countless players, earning widespread recognition."
"Thus, we need not cast ourselves as villains."
"Perhaps future storylines will even work in our favor, allowing our ideals to gain broader acceptance."
"To willingly immerse in the Dream of Tayzzyronth..."
"Wouldn't that be a more perfect future?"
The Nightjar's beak parted slightly.
Clearly, the Dreammaster was convinced by Sunday's reasoning.
A hearty laugh erupted from it.
"Hahaha..."
"Well said! As expected of my finest successor!"
"Your vision and foresight have already surpassed this old man's."
"It seems my perspective was too narrow—a fatal misstep."
"Perhaps it's time for me to step aside and entrust the Family entirely to you."
Sunday remained composed.
His devotion to the Order Tayzzyronth was not purely religious.
More than anything, it was because the power of Order could help him realize his ideal world.
"Then, Dreammaster, I ask that you grant me full authority."
"Let Penecony welcome Honkai: Star Rail with open arms—and herald the dawn of our golden age."
---
Elsewhere in Penecony...
"What? The Family Head has changed his mind? He's lifting the restrictions on Honkai: Star Rail?"
"Penecony will no longer block the game's data streams, and the Family is issuing a public apology to all players?"
"Sunday is even offering to promote the game for free—playing Honkai: Star Rail trailers on loop in the Golden Hour and giving out random 648 top-up bonuses?"
"Am I hallucinating? This is a complete 180 from their earlier stance!"
Whether in the real-world hotel or the dreamscape, every member of the Oak Family was stunned upon receiving the news.
They double- and triple-checked, fearing they'd misheard.
But once confirmed, the Oak Family swiftly mobilized—
Notifying the Hound Family.
Informing hotel management.
The news spread like wildfire.
---
The Reverie Hotel – VIP Reception Room
The doors swung open as a white-clad Sunday entered.
Aventurine and Topaz rose from their seats, offering the Oak Family Head a respectful nod.
Meanwhile, Ratio, who had been studying the wall murals, finally turned to face him, ready to dissect whatever lofty rhetoric Sunday might deliver.
Sunday inclined his head slightly.
"My sincerest apologies for the unpleasant experience you've endured in Penecony as corporate envoys."
"The Family extends its deepest regrets."
"Your accommodations and all associated service fees have been waived. Additionally, you will each receive a premium Penecony access pass..."
Sandwich's eyes narrowed.
Starting with concessions?
This wasn't the confrontation he'd anticipated. He'd prepared countermeasures for a hardline stance—
Yet Sunday's next words left him speechless.
"I've fully considered your demands and consulted the Dreammaster."
"Henceforth, the Family will lift all restrictions on Honkai: Star Rail and welcome players across the cosmos to enjoy the game while exploring our dreamscape."
Silence.
Even the other Family Heads were dumbfounded.
Ratio, too, was momentarily at a loss.
"He's yielding... just like that?"
"This Sunday... is far more inscrutable than I imagined."
---
The Golden Hour
A group of dreamweaver-turned-players sat on the steps, sipping SoulGlad as they admired their handiwork—
Sleepless Night, still playing on every screen.
"Ha... guess we've had our moment of glory!"
"Think this counts as our peak?"
"I'm done with dreamweaving anyway. After the Family fires me, I'm going full-time gaming—maybe even streaming!"
"Nice! I'll sub to your channel!"
"First round of gifts is on me!"
Their banter was cut short as the Hounds arrived.
"Look, the Family's here to 'reward' us."
"Wonder how much the fine's gonna be?"
They made no move to flee, having long accepted the consequences.
But instead of arrests, the lead Hound removed his sunglasses—
And extended a hand.
"You five... hit the jackpot."
"Sunday has pardoned your breach of Family protocols."
"No penalties. No reprimands."
"And as a fellow Star Rail player..."
"Let me personally salute you."
The dreamweavers were speechless.
Was this... a dream within a dream?
Then, the giant screens flickered—
Sunday's face appeared.
"To all guests in our dreamscape: the Family sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused by our restrictions on Honkai: Star Rail."
"Effective immediately, all bans are lifted."
"At the top of every hour, the Golden Hour will shower golden rain."
"Vouchers collected may be redeemed for in-game top-up credits of equal value..."
"Tonight—the Family will cover all your in-game purchases!"
To be continued…