The Reverie Hotel.
Acheron's Room.
"What are you doing in my room?"
The cold voice from behind startled Black Swan slightly!
She hadn't expected Acheron's perception to be so sharp—even within the dreamscape, she could detect Black Swan's presence, which had arrived in the form of a meme.
However, Black Swan wasn't flustered.
As a Memokeeper, she'd encountered similar situations many times while collecting memories.
Steadying herself, she spoke in a deliberately light tone:
"To be honest, I'm very curious about you."
"I'm Black Swan, a Memokeeper of the Garden of Recollection."
"Let's make an exchange."
Acheron stared coldly at Black Swan, neither agreeing nor refusing.
Just as Black Swan was about to continue speaking—
The television in the room flickered.
The Soda advertisement was replaced by a news broadcast.
The anchor's voice rang out:
"Good evening to all dream-chasing visitors in Penacony!"
"We interrupt with breaking news—"
"Honkai: Star Rail, the universe-class game developed by Yu Ling, has just released its brand-new Version 2.0!!!"
"Reports indicate this update's content will be a Trailblazing journey set in Penacony!"
"Representatives of the Iris Family have secured a collaboration with renowned streamer—Xiaoguizi Guinaifen!"
"Visitors may choose to enter the dreamscape and experience the new version firsthand or follow the streamer's perspective to appreciate and discuss the latest storyline together."
"We will set up live-viewing gathering points in all popular areas."
"...The Family will continue providing you with the highest quality service..."
Honkai: Star Rail's new version...
Updated right now?
Even Black Swan was momentarily stunned.
She found herself at a crossroads—
Should she stay and continue negotiation with Acheron, or find a place to watch the new storyline first?
Previously, players had leaked on forums that the first limited 5-star character in this update might very well be herself!
That meant her in-game counterpart would definitely have corresponding plotlines!
At this moment, Acheron spoke:
"I have no interest in your exchange."
"Leave."
"This is best for both of us."
Black Swan smiled charmingly.
Children make choices.
She wanted it all!
"I'd love to leave, but unfortunately..."
"I've discovered something rather extraordinary."
Black Swan walked over to the music box on the desk.
Gently, she traced a charred mark on its base with her finger.
"This music box doesn't belong to you, does it, beautiful drifter?"
"Its true owner died tragically in their mansion just days ago."
"As both a Memokeeper and a Honkai: Star Rail player, I naturally can't let this go so easily."
Acheron sighed faintly: "What do you want?"
Seeing her smile, Black Swan's smile deepened, radiating allure.
"I want to dance with you."
"—That's all."
"In exchange, I'll keep your secret."
Her gaze lingered on the music box.
Acheron nodded slightly and tentatively extended her hand.
But Black Swan gently lowered it.
"Don't be so hasty~"
"Look, Penacony's storyline has already begun. Why don't we sit down together, enjoy the new plot first, then each take what we need?"
"In this update, I'm honored to appear as a playable character."
"You must have some reservations about me too, no? Don't worry—the story will show you exactly who I am."
Acheron paused.
Reservations?
Not really...
She just found it troublesome.
As a Memokeeper, drawing her blade here would inevitably cause some damage to the hotel.
And that would make staying in Penacony smoothly much harder.
As for the new game storyline...
Acheron was also curious.
"Yu Ling... can even imprint my traces into the game's narrative."
"Perhaps this is for the best. Many things won't need to be painstakingly memorized."
"If I forget, I can just revisit the story..."
She looked up, even feeling a flicker of hope—
That Yu Ling would give her as much screentime as possible.
But Acheron knew...
This was undoubtedly wishful thinking.
Her past and future were too profound.
Even she herself felt increasingly [void] when reflecting on them.
This [void]...
Could even Honkai: Star Rail truly replicate it?
...
The television had automatically switched to the livestream—
Featuring the galaxy's famous streamer, Xiaoguizi.
"Looking back on recent experiences... becoming a 'Cloud-Nameless,' following the Express Crew on their Trailblazing journeys..."
"Xiaoguizi feels like she's dreaming!"
"Never could've imagined every corner of this vast universe holds such thrilling tales!"
"Alright, enough preamble!"
"Let's officially begin Penacony's main story!"
The stream displayed the Astral Express drifting alone through space.
Xiaoguizi tapped lightly.
Entering the game, she claimed the [Express Supplies], and immediately—
A golden Trailblaze Mission prompt popped up!
[If One Dreams At Midnight - Begin]
Simultaneously, Pom-Pom sent a message:
[Pom-Pom: Testing testing]
[March 7th: Testing testing]
[Stelle: ...]
[Welt: Alright alright, let's hear what the conductor has to say.]
[Himeko: Is it time to depart for the next stop?]
[Pom-Pom: That's right, Pom! The jump device is calibrated!]
[Pom-Pom: But before setting off, the conductor has three reminders!]
[Pom-Pom: So this meeting includes Pom too!]
[March 7th: Yay! Then as usual—]
[March 7th: Gather in the parlor car~]
"It's finally here!"
Xiaoguizi rubbed her hands excitedly.
Visuals—check.
Audio—check.
Microphone—check.
The hotel room, filled with a faint fragrance, was fully prepared.
Guinaifen was completely immersed, as if she'd truly become a Nameless aboard the Astral Express, awaiting the jump.
...
Astral Express.
Except for Dan Heng, the entire crew had gathered in the parlor car.
March 7th hastily replied to a few messages before putting her phone down, not wanting to miss a single detail of the livestreamed plot.
"Dan Heng says everything's fine on the Luofu! He'll join us in Penacony after wrapping up his business!"
"He's also following the new storyline like us!"
"Good, then there's no issue," Himeko nodded.
Pom-Pom turned up the volume with the remote.
On the projection screen in the center of the car—
Was the in-game Astral Express.
Pom-Pom watched as its digital counterpart spoke during the jump meeting:
"Passengers should know by now, Pom? Our destination is the 'Planet of Festivities'—Penacony!"
"Though Pom understands everyone's excitement for the famed hotel, three reminders before departure!"
"First: Penacony's star system, Asdana, is rich in 'memory particles'—historically one of the 'great leaks' from the Memory Zone. Though millennia have passed, concentrations remain above average."
"Usually harmless... but reactions vary! If dizziness, hallucinations, or memory disturbances occur, don't ignore them!"
"Second: Penacony is the 'Harmony' Family's territory—their first public invitation to other factions. Remember, the Express is a guest! Follow local customs!"
March 7th interjected: "Got it—'when in Rome'! Don't worry, we won't disgrace the Nameless!"
"Lastly, the third point—more a request than a rule, Pom..."
"If possible... while vacationing, could you also inquire about a few 'Nameless'?"
[What Nameless?]
Himeko smiled. "Let me explain."
"Like most worlds the Express visits, Penacony was once a stop on the Silver Rail. Millennia ago, it was an IPC border prison until 'Trailblaze' connected it to the stars."
"Back then, the Astral Express also visited—just as journeys have meetings and partings, records suggest some passengers chose to stay, making Penacony their final stop."
[After so long, can they still be found?]
"Don't stress—think of it as a homecoming ritual. After the Express left, Stellarons severed worlds, and Penacony changed hands repeatedly."
"How those old Nameless lived, what they experienced, what marks they left... tracing their footsteps is its own adventure."
"Even leaving the stars behind doesn't end a Nameless' 'Trailblaze.' The conductor feels the same, right?"
"According to records, the three departing passengers were Tierenan, Lag (Leno) Walker, and Razalina [once the Express's guard, mechanic, and surveyor]. Beyond that, no details remain."
Seeing these names in the plot, Pom-Pom's eyes widened!
Tugging Welt's pants, it exclaimed: "The story mentioned their names, Pom..."
"Does that mean we'll see their Penacony experiences later?"
"Pom... Pom really hopes so."
Himeko reassured: "Don't worry, conductor."
"Given Yu Ling's style, if foreshadowing appears early..."
"It will undoubtedly be revisited."
"We'll witness those three former Nameless' stories in-game."
Pom-Pom leaned forward eagerly: "Really...?"
"Of course. They might not appear in the main story, but side quests will cover them. At the very least—a Light Cone... or a Relic?"
March 7th, surprised, whispered to Stelle:
"Just hearing those names almost made Pom-Pom cry, huh?"
"Seems that generation of Nameless was really close to it."
"I wonder... years from now, if we're gone, will Pom-Pom miss us this much too?"
"Pfft—what am I saying?!"
"Our Trailblazing journey will never end!"
"Free and unfettered—playing together till the end of time!"
To be continued…