"Miss Black Swan, we've fully grasped the current situation. Returning to your initial proposal..."
"May I ask what reason the Garden of Recollection has for choosing to collaborate with the Astral Express?"
Himeko stared at Black Swan and asked solemnly.
Black Swan nodded slightly and explained:
"Hmm, allow me to correct you... This is my personal request and does not represent the Garden. The answer is simple, Miss Himeko—I merely wish to make an exchange... an exchange concerning memories."
"Beyond my duties, I have some... personal aesthetic pursuits. I am a Memokeeper, but also a collector. I wish to witness those crystalline, dazzling, precious memories—isn't such a desire quite understandable?"
"And all of you, the Nameless of the Astral Express, practitioners of the Trailblaze... I believe in your potential, and in the unique brilliance you will display upon this stage."
"That is why I wish to befriend you all. The convergence of nightmares and sweet dreams... is the perfect cradle for memories."
Guinaifen quipped: "In short, she's just after our high-quality memories."
Meanwhile, the Express crew wasn't idle either.
They engaged in their own round of analysis and discussion.
Himeko speculated: "The person who sent the Nameless cipher and the mastermind behind the dream anomalies are from the same faction... or perhaps even the same individual."
Meanwhile, Welt played a transmission—its sender was Silver Wolf.
On the screen was her chibi avatar.
Ahem, can you hear me? Astral Express, long time no see~ Enjoying Penacony so far?"
"Let's get serious. I know you're investigating the anomalies in Penacony, and frankly, we're delighted to see it. The deeper you dig, the closer you'll get to the truth behind this 'dream.'"
"The Family is hiding something, aren't they? We've got firsthand intel too. Now, I've decided to generously share it with you. Only... sigh, your lovely vacation is about to end."
"Input this code into your Dream Pool—that device you use to enter dreams—and take a look at the hidden map! Coordinates are all packaged for you, just copy and paste."
"Oh, and—you've probably heard about Sam by now. Look forward to it. That guy's straightforward, loves a fair fight, and will definitely 'get along' with you all~ Just try not to get crushed by his enthusiasm."
"Oh, and he asked me to relay this: 'In the unreachable dream, the play is about to begin.' Go on, all factions are making their moves. Don't fall too far behind, Nameless~"
With Silver Wolf's voice, countless Stellaron Hunters fans in the livestream exploded.
...
Chat
"Wolfie!!"
"Seeing Silver Wolf feels so familiar—finally, a familiar face outside the Express crew!"
"Sam's coming too!"
"Can't wait to see Sam's skills!"
"Right now, the Stellaron Hunters are actually a trustworthy faction—no major conflicts, plus we've cooperated before."
"Feels like the Stellaron Hunters are the Express' off-field support squad lololol."
"Quick question: What are the requirements to join the Stellaron Hunters?"
"Everyone's coming to Penacony for the big brawl, huh?"
...
The true face of the dreamscape—undoubtedly a phrase brimming with mystery.
After reviewing the transmission, the Express crew decided to cooperate with Black Swan.
Once prepared, they input Silver Wolf's code into the Dream Pool and entered the Primordial Dreamscape.
Along the way, there was an extra dialogue with Black Swan—which Guinaifen naturally didn't skip.
"Can you confirm March 7th's safety?"
"Rest assured, that was a one-way door leading only to waking reality. Unless that girl had an overwhelming desire to stay in the dream... How likely is that? She must be rubbing her eyes somewhere in the hotel right now."
Lying down in the Dream Pool, sinking into the abyss...
They arrived once more in this perilous Primordial Dreamscape.
Black Swan appeared beside them, explaining that upon entering the Memory Zone, everyone had been scattered. Only she had found Stelle. To regroup, they'd need to press forward through the Memory Zone.
Fortunately, as a Memokeeper, Black Swan was an exceptional guide.
Along the way, they encountered countless fallen Dreamjolt Troupe members.
After passing through a corridor and entering a hall-like space, Stelle and Black Swan stood atop a staircase—
And saw, in the center of the room, a woman facing off against the Dreamjolt Troupe's monsters.
"Acheron!!!"
Guinaifen outright gasped.
"Finally, we see her again!"
"I knew it had to be someone strong, clearing all these mobs for us!"
Acheron also seemed slightly surprised: "Oh? It's you two?"
[You... got lost again?]
"Not exactly. I just don't know where I am."
Black Swan interjected helplessly: "Ladies, let's save the small talk for later... Shall we deal with these hospitable children first?"
[Entering Combat]
A notification appeared: [For the next segment of the journey, Black Swan will assist in battle.]
Black Swan's support skill appeared on the right side of the interface.
Guinaifen scrutinized it, half-expecting Acheron to be a trial character—but no such luck.
What a shame we can't see Acheron's skills...
After dispatching the Dreamjolt Troupe, Acheron proposed:
"You two came at the perfect time. This dreamscape is fraught with danger. Since our goals align, why not travel together?"
"I can protect you from harm. In the Memory Zone, I could also use a Memokeeper's aid, and... if we encounter the Family, ten heads are better than one for explanations."
Black Swan, however, hesitated: "This... What do you think, Stelle?"
[More people isn't a bad thing.]
[We can trust Acheron.]
[Maybe not...]
[No, absolutely not.]
Four options lay before them.
Guinaifen knew that in Honkai: Star Rail, choices sometimes carried weight.
"Right now, Acheron's motives are still unclear. We don't know why she came to Penacony..."
"And there's that possible second personality inside her..."
"I think we should pass."
[Maybe not...]
Acheron's reaction was unexpected:
"Sorry... I didn't quite catch that. Could you repeat it?"
[I mean, no...]
Acheron repeated: "Sorry... I didn't quite catch that. Could you repeat it?"
Guinaifen froze—then immediately realized:
"Threat!"
"That's a blatant threat!!"
"I can already picture that white-haired Acheron staring at us coldly..."
"If we say it one more time, she'll probably turn us to ash."
Sure enough, the dialogue options changed—
Now, both choices were identical:
[I mean, no problem.]
[I mean, no problem.]
The only difference?
The second line was blood-red.
After selecting it, Stelle internally mused:
'What's going on... That eerie feeling is back...'
Only then did Acheron calmly say:
"Thank you, Stelle... Truly."
"And it's a pleasure to travel with you again, Miss Black Swan."
Black Swan muttered under her breath: "Mm... I hope so."
...
Chat Reactions:
"Wait, what?!"
"I had no choice?!"
"This is kinda terrifying—she forced our decision?!"
"After watching Never-Ending Wheel of Samsara, I get it now—Black Swan's inner thoughts: Stay the hell away from me!!!"
"Black Swan: I am not happy."
"After nearly getting erased in the Memory Zone, of course she's not thrilled!"
"Say what you will, but Black Swan's composure as a Memokeeper is unreal. After all that, she only shows mild wariness around Acheron? Respect."
"Traveling with this lady, I'm half-expecting a knife in my back any second..."
...
In Acheron's Room
Watching the livestream, where both the streamer and viewers treated her with palpable wariness, Acheron tilted her head in confusion.
Pointing at her own face, she asked:
"Am I... really that scary?"
Beside her, Black Swan nodded vehemently in her heart—but outwardly maintained her calm demeanor.
"Miss Acheron, since we're temporarily allies now, I feel I should warn you..."
"Based on the storyline and... certain related content, many have already subconsciously deemed you the most threatening enemy."
"If your location is exposed now, countless factions may preemptively strike out of sheer fear."
Acheron fell silent.
Her gaze drifted to the Dream Pool in the room as she murmured:
"Then... is there truly no place in this dreamland... for a self-destroyer like me?"
"Miss Acheron, what did you say?"
"Ah, nothing. Let's continue watching the story."
"Both in-game and out, we've formed a temporary alliance. That's... a kind of fate, isn't it?"
Black Swan sighed.
Yes. What a wonderful fate…
To be continued…