Livestream Room
Guinaifen was continuing to push forward with the story.
In the previous battle against meme March 7th had been captured, but thankfully, Black Swan intervened in time, showcasing the elegance and reliability of a Memokeeper.
From the loading animation, it was clear that Black Swan had directly teleported Stelle and March 7th back to reality.
Guinaifen had assumed that upon waking up, the scene would show her and March 7th waking together in a hotel room.
To her surprise, the first person she saw upon opening her eyes was Black Swan.
"Huh?"
"Sis, weren't you fighting that 'meme' thing? How did you come back to reality with us?"
After a brief pause, Guinaifen finally realized:
"Oh~ That Meme Phantom can only move around in dreams. Once we're back in reality, we're safe."
"Black Swan didn't drag out the fight either—very fitting of a Memokeeper's style!"
Guinaifen secretly felt relieved.
Thankfully, she was livestreaming from the real-world hotel!
If she had been streaming from inside the dream, she'd probably be sweating bullets and squirming in discomfort by now...
And in fact, ever since "Meme" was revealed in the story, players currently in Penacony's dreamscape had begun scrambling to return to reality, terrified that the monstrous thing might wander into their dream zone!
Guests who could come to Penacony were, at the very least, people of some means—everyone valued their lives dearly!
Black Swan spoke:
"You're awake, sleepyhead. Seems like you had a nice dream."
"Did you dream of me?"
[Did you save us?]
"I merely helped you leave that Memory Zone, nothing more."
"Welcome to reality—the Reverie Hotel, the place you know best and the safest of all."
"I'm glad your mental state is still normal, unaffected by that primal dreamscape. You're quite lucky."
[Did March 7th... escape?]
This was Guinaifen's most pressing question—and the one most viewers were also concerned about.
Black Swan smiled faintly and replied:
"Hehe, you care a lot about that girl, don't you? Even in the face of 'Death,' she did everything she could to protect you... I'm almost moved myself."
"I know you have many questions, but don't be impatient. Before that, reassure the friends who are worried about you."
"Seeing Black Swan so calm, everything must be fine."
"Memokeepers from the Garden of Recollection really have it easy moving around in dreams!"
"Right now, I really wish I had a Memokeeper like her to protect me!"
"Pull for Black Swan!"
"Pull Black Swan, and you'll never meet Death in your dreams!"
"Damn it, I'm rushing back to reality tonight!"
"Whoever wants to stay in the dream can stay! Until we figure out what the dreamscape really is, I'm never going back in!"
"I don't care what the Family says anymore—I won't believe them!"
"The only one I trust now is Yuling!"
Guinaifen glanced at the chat.
It seemed players in the dreamscape had been thoroughly frightened.
Those who had been clamoring to find Clockie or the origami birds had all quieted down.
After all, they weren't Trailblazers—they couldn't just respawn at the nearest teleport point after dying.
With the appearance of "Something Unto Death(Meme)," more and more people suspected that if that monster caught them, it would mean real death.
Penacony's market value, credibility, and other aspects plummeted once again!
Meanwhile, the Family was already overwhelmed and too busy dealing with their own crises.
Of course, none of this had much to do with Guinaifen—for now.
"I'm just a Honkai: Star Rail game streamer..."
"I just hope I can make it through this Sunday safely..."
...
Hotel Lobby
Welt, Himeko, and March 7th were already waiting there, gathered in discussion.
March 7th's voice was the first to be heard:
"So suspicious... There's no way it's just a coincidence. That woman is definitely hiding something."
Himeko said, "But she did find the Trailblazer and saved her. For now, we'll have to hear what she wants..."
Welt added rationally, "That Memokeeper clearly came prepared. We should proceed with caution."
Guinaifen didn't think much of it, but the chat erupted in discussion!
"Seeing the Express crew instantly gives me a sense of safety—like coming home!!"
"Who remembers we're actually here for a vacation?"
"March 7th's suspicion is valid—Black Swan is shady!"
"Wait, March 7th said that? Then I have to believe it!"
"The prophet strikes again!"
After introductions were made, Stelle recounted their recent experiences to the Express crew.
Welt mused, "So, the one who attacked you was a woman in red, skilled in illusions, capable of mimicking others..."
He seemed to be considering whether he knew anyone matching that description.
Black Swan, however, cut straight to the point:
"Her name is 'Sparkle.' She's a Masked Fool who infiltrated Penacony... Don't worry, that girl won't be causing trouble for you anytime soon. She must think she's succeeded and is gloating somewhere."
[You seem to know her well.]
"Of course. I know everyone here. In Penacony, anyone can lie... but memories cannot."
Black Swan continued, "So, I must clarify one fact: While Sparkle's tricks can trap people in illusions, that eerie dreamscape had nothing to do with her. It originated from Penacony itself."
"The so-called 'Land of Dreams'... is actually a carefully maintained illusion crafted by the Family through unknown means—a meticulously designed beautiful dream."
"And the Memory Zone she fell into... That is the dream's original form—chaotic, dangerous, mysterious... a labyrinth of ever-shifting memories, inhabited by beasts of remembrance (Meme Phantoms)..."
With these words, Black Swan completely stripped away the glamorous facade of Penacony's dream!
Guinaifen was stunned.
The universe-renowned Star of Festivities, the dazzling City of Joy...
Its true nature was actually this terrifying and perilous!
The difference was like night and day!
This wasn't just about whether it was fun anymore—it was about whether you'd even survive playing here!
And what Black Swan said next cast an even darker shadow over the hearts of players in Penacony!
"Tell me—under what circumstances does a building require repairs? Considering her recent experience, the answer is obvious."
"Penacony's beautiful dream is 'sinking,' reverting to its original form... descending into the abyss (Memory Zone)."
"The incident at the Reverie Hotel was just a precursor."
Chat Reactions:
"Holy crap?!"
"My Memory Zone trauma is acting up."
"My favorite Family quote: 'The dreamscape is absolutely safe.'"
"I'm understanding less and less about Penacony's situation."
"We still don't even know what's up with Acheron's identity and motives, and now Meme Phantoms are running around too?"
"Feels like danger is everywhere—this is so intense!"
"Welcome to the large-scale documentary: The Legend of Penacony's Dream."
"@Sunday, Head of the Oak Family."
"Sunday, you have to give us an explanation now, right?"
However, what no one expected was that while everyone assumed the Oak Family's leader would stay silent—and that this account might just be a fake—under the barrage of tags from players...
Sunday, Head of the Oak Family, actually replied!
[Rest assured, I, Sunday, Head of the Oak Family, swear: I will bring you all a true paradise.]
Chat:
"Huh?!"
"Is it really you?"
"Sunday, is that actually you?"
"Unless you livestream soloing 'Something Unto Death,' I'm never trusting the Family again!"
"Wait... does Sunday have another ace up his sleeve?"
"There's still something bigger coming?!"
To be continued…