The release of this PV undoubtedly cast a shadow over everyone's hearts.
Seeing everyone silent and burdened with heavy thoughts,
Stelle knew—Now was the time for her to step up.
To play the role of the "protagonist"!
Her gaze gradually hardened with resolve.
In a firm, resounding voice, she declared:
"At this point, I think we have no other choice..."
"Facing someone as powerful and terrifying as Acheron..."
"All of us must unite and fight together!"
Welt took a deep breath and said, "I agree."
"Since we've already come to Penacony, the Express crew shouldn't just stand by."
Himeko nodded. "Before Acheron destroys Penacony, we must do everything we can to stop her."
March 7th gritted her teeth.
In that moment, she too made up her mind.
She thrust out a hand and declared:
"This time, the Express crew will stake our lives in this fight—we're joining the hunt for Acheron!"
Welt's lips twitched.
"March... where did you learn that line?"
"What? I think it's cool, Mr. Yang! And it fits the situation perfectly!"
"Acheron is so strong that even the Express crew might not make it out alive..."
Suddenly—
Kafka's voice came through Stelle's phone.
"Everyone, I heard all of that, you know."
The next moment,
Kafka's holographic projection appeared inside the cabin.
Despite the urgency of the situation,
She remained as composed and unflappable as ever.
"It seems the Stellaron Hunters and the Express crew will be standing on the same side once again."
Then—
Firefly's projection appeared as well!
"Everyone from the Express, it's an honor to fight alongside you."
Silver Wolf's voice chimed in: "If you've decided, come to the Reverie Hotel. Coordinates sent."
Himeko asked Kafka for a few more details.
After learning about the current situation at the hotel,
Himeko thanked her.
Kafka waved and ended the call.
Their side was in even more urgent need of preparation.
March 7th sighed. "I was feeling the pressure earlier, but knowing the Stellaron Hunters are our allies now makes it a little easier."
"They're pretty reliable as teammates!"
Stelle nodded in agreement.
At that moment—
The Express's communication device suddenly beeped.
Pom-Pom quickly accepted the signal.
A new projection appeared before everyone—
And this time, it was Dan Heng!
"Dan Heng!"
"You're finally here!"
March 7th and Stelle were overjoyed!
It felt like ages since they'd last seen him!
Dan Heng greeted everyone but quickly cut to the chase.
"Everyone, I'm aware of the situation in Penacony."
"This time, I'm not the only one coming to help—General Jing Yuan and the Xianzhou fleet are also on their way."
The moment these words were spoken—
The entire cabin fell silent in shock.
Even Himeko and Welt were taken aback!
No one expected—
Dan Heng, who had been silent for so long,
Would return with such massive reinforcements!
An entire Xianzhou war fleet!
This support couldn't have come at a better time!
It was like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart!
March 7th was so moved she nearly cried.
"Wuwuwu... Dan Heng, what can I even say?!"
"You're just too reliable!"
"You only show up for the high-stakes battles, huh?!"
Dan Heng was almost embarrassed by the praise.
He quickly clarified: "...It's mainly General Jing Yuan's foresight and military preparations."
"I didn't do much..."
As he spoke—
Jing Yuan's projection appeared beside him.
Wearing his trademark calm smile,
He asked: "Everyone, is this 'surprise reinforcement' of mine arriving at just the right time?"
"Absolutely, General Jing Yuan!"
"Seeing you and Dan Heng is such a relief!"
Welt stepped forward. "General Jing Yuan, thank you for your support."
Jing Yuan simply waved it off.
"The Express crew has always been honored guests of the Luofu."
"As we say on the Xianzhou—'Those who dare threaten our allies, no matter how far, shall be punished!'"
"With the Express facing danger in Penacony, how could I, as a general, not lend my full strength to assist?"
March 7th couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
Damn, Jing Yuan...
Always knows just what to say.
Even she felt her blood boiling with renewed determination.
The earlier gloom seemed to vanish entirely.
Welt, as the representative, discussed the specifics with Dan Heng and Jing Yuan.
Once everything was settled,
The Express crew prepared to disembark—
And head straight for the Reverie Hotel!
The Family had already arranged for escorts at the docking area.
Knowing it was the Express crew arriving,
The receptionists were extremely enthusiastic,
Smoothing their way without hesitation.
Soon, they reached the hotel's core area!
At this moment,
The atmosphere on this floor was thick with tension.
It was like standing at the eye of a storm!
Factions from across the universe were restless—
But not in the way of preparing for battle.
Many were already planning their escape!
"Ding!"
The elevator chimed.
Who in their right mind would willingly step into this "warzone" now?
Instantly, all eyes turned toward the sound.
As the doors slid open—
Himeko, Welt, March 7th, and Stelle stepped out one by one.
When the reinforcements turned out to be the Express crew,
The crowd was stunned—
Then erupted into cheers!
"AHHHHH!!!"
"It's the Express crew! Holy crap! The protagonists are finally here!"
"Just seeing them makes me feel like we can win!"
"They've got plot armor! Guaranteed victory!"
"Screw it! Let's go all in!"
"If the Express crew is here, why retreat?!"
"Stelle! I'm your biggest fan!"
"Just follow Stelle and charge!"
The arrival of the Express crew
Instantly boosted the morale of everyone gathered!
As the Family's representative, Sunday immediately stepped forward,
Welcoming and thanking the Express for their assistance.
Then—
Sunday turned to the Memokeeper.
"In that case, everyone, let's prepare."
Meanwhile—
Outside Penacony's atmosphere,
The Xianzhou fleet began its descent.
From a distance,
The sky seemed to gain countless new stars!
Many sensed the shift and looked up.
Just as everyone was marveling at the sight—
The corridor ahead suddenly began to warp!
The Memokeeper quickly retreated.
This wasn't her doing.
The barrier in that area had been lifted by someone inside!
Everyone tightened their grips on their weapons.
Welt's expression turned icy as he clutched his cane.
Himeko placed her briefcase in front of her chest.
March 7th and Stelle readied their bow and lance respectively!
The space ahead blurred,
Like a reflection disturbed in water.
Then—
"BOOM!!!"
A violent explosion tore through the area!
Blasting a gaping hole in the corridor and railings!
In the next instant—
Several figures shot out from the smoke!
"Clang!!"
"Clang!!"
The sound of weapons being drawn echoed through the hall.
The figures landed,
Standing in mid-air,
Divided into two opposing sides—
All armed and ready for battle!
Clearly,
The explosion had been the result of their clash.
On the left—
The Stellaron Hunters!
Kafka, Silver Wolf, and Sam!
On the right—
Acheron and Black Swan!
"What the hell?!"
"Black Swan's alive? And siding with Acheron?!"
"Swan! Blink twice if you're being held hostage!"
"What do we do?! Attack or...?!"
"At least Acheron hasn't drawn her blade yet!"
Acheron's expression shifted slightly.
Her gaze swept the surroundings.
She sighed inwardly.
She had expected many to come for her,
But not this many...
She was a self-destructor,
But she wasn't their enemy!
Who knew what that PV was about?
Why would she draw her blade and destroy Penacony?
Maybe it was a dream... or an illusion?
Of course, Acheron knew explanations now would sound feeble.
The way everyone looked at her—
Like she was the ultimate threat—
Made it clear.
Penacony had a true final boss.
If not her,
Then who?
Suddenly—
A thought struck her.
Her eyes narrowed with suspicion...
As she looked toward the Family's side.
More precisely—
At Sunday, standing among the crowd.
Beside her,
Black Swan noticed Acheron's gaze.
She seemed to ponder something.
There were things she had suspected,
But lacked proof.
With tensions this high,
Something had to be done.
Black Swan took a deep breath and spoke:
"Everyone, lower your weapons for now."
"What I want to say is..."
"Is it possible that Penacony's true boss... is someone else entirely?"
To be continued…