"Dead? What's going on?"
Caelus looked at Aventurine in front of him, his mind starting to race.
Ever since he witnessed Firefly vanish before his eyes, the situation had taken a sharp turn for the worse. The sudden appearance of the mecha Sam, the suspected culprit behind Firefly's death. At present, Black Swan, Aventurine, and Acheron… not a single one of them could be fully trusted!
Only the Astral Express crew.
Aventurine noticed Caelus's expression change drastically, but he didn't disturb him overly, leisurely waiting for Caelus to sort out his thoughts. Seeing Caelus's brows slightly relax, he continued to explain,
"They perished on their way to the appointment. The culprit, in a near-miraculous manner, brutally killed Ifrit and stole the invitation letter received by the Annihilation Gang. The Ever-Flame Mansion also fell apart, scattering like birds and beasts—
And after that, a mysterious Galaxy Ranger arrived in Penacony, checking into the hotel with just a music box… Need I go on, friend?"
"I'm not stupid. You mean that person is Acheron?"
Aventurine nodded, "Exactly. Galaxy Rangers are elusive, with little contact among themselves. That outfit is too easy to wear. As long as she doesn't confess, there's no proof. The Company has ways to investigate, but it takes time.
So, friend, it's your choice now… You can leave right now, head straight out, never looking back, and forever give up the chance to approach the truth.
On the other hand, you can accept my invitation and learn a fact—a fact that could overturn Penacony. I need your help, so I'll wait for you—but not for too long. When you're ready… follow me.
As for whether to work with me, you can decide after seeing that fact… It's not too late."
[Aventurine Iron Wolf, throwing shade here.]
[The plot's getting complicated.]
[Anyway, none of them are good people. The only good person got stabbed to death!]
[Is it any use? Do you think it's any use? I won't forget Firefly's death!]
[Right, brothers, don't forget! Today is February 6, not only the premiere of the Honkai: Star Rail web series but also the day Firefly vanished.]
—
Caelus watched Aventurine slowly walk away, then turned to face Black Swan expressionlessly.
There wasn't a trace of guilt on Black Swan's face. "Oh… your expression is like a hurt little animal. Are you still willing to talk to me? I'm still willing… to be your therapist."
"You lied to me?"
"I admit I made a deal with that gentleman to bring you to his side. But… this is still a safe place. He needs you—it's a necessary part of reclaiming Penacony. I believe he has potential and could help me gain unique memories, so I agreed to cooperate.
In Penacony, everyone might lie, and of course… that includes me. I can't deny it or expect forgiveness. But, remember? I also said… 'I believe in your potential.' That was absolutely sincere."
Caelus spoke again, asking, "Who do you think the mastermind is…"
Black Swan pondered for a moment. "I still believe Firefly's matter… as we speculated, is more closely tied to the Stellaron Hunters. But you heard Aventurine accuse that Galaxy Ranger.
I don't know why he made that judgment, but with the Company's intelligence network, his view is worth discussing. And I also think Acheron is hiding something… no, rather, hiding everything.
This was an unexpected gain from a previous encounter. Regarding the Annihilation Gang… I can confirm Aventurine's claims are true. Because of this, in this golden banquet… she's the dancer I'm most focused on."
"Is Aventurine trustworthy?"
"My view might surprise you. To me, he's trustworthy—not for any other reason, but because he's an excellent businessman. In this vast cosmos, no one values honesty and contracts more than a businessman.
But you must be cautious, especially when making contracts with them. Outside the contract, they won't consider your rights… To maximize their profits, they'll stop at nothing."
Caelus nodded silently after getting the answers he wanted.
Finally, he walked to Aventurine's side.
Aventurine wasn't surprised by Caelus's arrival. "Good, I knew you'd come. By the way, that Memokeeper… never mind, I won't ask.
After all, I said you could discuss with your companions or even use me in return—I welcome it! Because that also shows me your value.
I never make a losing deal, so I hope you 'friends'… don't disappoint me.
Come—this way!"
Aventurine walked forward on his own. "Oh, right, I think I said something after that… What was it? Ah… a familiar corridor, a familiar room. Remember? Last time we met, it was in this place."
Soon, the two stood at a room's door. The door wasn't fully closed, and through the gap, an ominous red glow could faintly be seen.
Aventurine gave a playful smile. "We're here, just beyond this door. Hold your breath and brace yourself!"
He slowly pushed the door open. "Oh, I remember now… friend! After that, we played a fun game.
Look, this moment is just like that moment… isn't it? I remember it all now. Back then, I said this to you."
The room was filled with dream bubbles. With a gentle wave from Aventurine, all the dream bubbles vanished.
"Look, friend. The game has begun. Make a deal with me—one you can't refuse."
As Aventurine cleared the dream bubbles blocking the Reverie Pool, Robin's corpse was revealed before Caelus.
Caelus froze on the spot, his pupils shaking.
Aventurine clasped his hands and stepped in front of Caelus. "No reason… and no room for refusal."
Slowly,
Robin's dream bubble also vanished.
[????]
[!!!!]
[miHoYo, you! I! Aaaaah!]
[I can't take it! What kind of godly plot is this? Damn, Robin's dead too?]
[Lighthearted, sunny, happy!]
[Who killed Robin?]
[Great, great, great, playing like this? Knifing Robin too?]
[Does miHoYo really not fear the backlash? Robin has so many fans online, and they dared to just knife her like that?]
[miHoYo has completely let loose.]
[Now in Penacony, no one can be trusted.]
[Waaah… my adorable bird! How could you be gone just like that!]
[I really don't get what miHoYo is trying to do.]
[Honestly, the impact of these two short episodes surpasses everything from the previous seasons combined.]
—
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Sunday stood alone, facing the direction of the theater.
Robin slowly approached from behind him.
"Brother, I'm back."
[???]
[Not knifed?]
[Illusion?]
[Someone impersonating her?]
[Can't tell, really can't tell!]
—
Sunday slightly turned his head, sneering, "Welcome back. How are the preparations for the performance?"
"Pretty good, don't worry."
"'Pretty good'? Hmm, that's not good enough… You're the pride of the Family. Don't let unnecessary emotions affect your perfect melody."
"I… got it." Robin looked at Sunday with concern. "Brother, you seem a bit down… Did something happen? Is it those guests who received the 'Watchmaker's' invitation?"
Sunday let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, I received a report… 'Something Unto Death' took some of them. Perhaps it was orchestrated. Ah, sorry. I forgot you just returned; you probably don't know about this.
At some point, a nightmare called 'Something Unto Death' descended on Penacony, indiscriminately attacking people, bringing spiritual death equally to all…
But in the beautiful dream built by the Family, no misfortune should occur. It severely disrupts the order and peace of the dream… How hateful."
Robin, shocked, covered her mouth with both hands. "Something like that happened? So… someone else was killed?"
Seeing this, Sunday's lips twitched. "Yes, two people. A stowaway, and… you."
The next moment, his eyes carried killing intent. "Enough, Fool. Your actions disappoint me."
Suddenly, goldfish swam in the air, and Robin vanished.
In her place was a petite loli. "You're sharp, aren't you, chicken-wing boy?"
[Chicken-wing boy?]
[I'm freaking shocked, still dropping big bombs, huh?]
[Sunday's composure is unreal, not even snapping on the spot.]
—
Sunday said coldly, "Ode to Harmony does not deceive—'The Fool's words begin with folly and end in wicked arrogance'… Please leave. Their dream does not welcome you."
Sparkle hopped over to Sunday's side, speaking in a max-level cutesy voice, "Oh, don't be so stern~ Quoting scriptures so seriously, why so uptight? I just wanted to ask—after all this, isn't the Family going to act? Your poor little sister has already been sacrificed, you know? Don't you… want to avenge her?"
The camera panned to Sunday. He clenched his fists, but his tone remained calm. "Not yet. When the destined day comes, I will judge righteously."
Sparkle clapped her hands, then leaned against the railing. "Impressive, you can even hold back like that~ Such a cold-blooded guy. Hey, we might get along well, you know? How about this: I can stand in for your sister at various events—you definitely don't want people to know… the Harmony Festival can no longer be held, right?"
"The Family has its arrangements. Stop defiling my dear sister with your deceitful tongue, Fool."
[I can't take it. Sparkle's voice is so cutesy, so fake.]
[She's so punchable, wildly dancing around.]
[Put this girl in my room, and I'll teach her a lesson.]
[Come on, bro, your abacus beads are bouncing right into my face.]
[Thanks, everyone. One Robin stan on the rooftop here. I thought Season 3 brought Robin in for something big, but she appeared for two minutes and got knifed. I'm done.]
[I'm also, absolutely quitting.]
—
"Alright, alright~" Sparkle showed a wronged expression. "I just wanted to say… if you need me, I'm always here to help. Who could resist a boy with studs on his chicken wings?"
With that, Sparkle left on her own.
Sunday didn't look back, his gaze fixed like a torch on the Harmony Festival's direction. "No need. The culprit has already revealed themselves under Their light. It won't be long before they fall by their own schemes. If they don't turn back, Their blade will be sharpened, Their bow strung, and the poison they inflicted will fall upon their own head.
When that time comes, those foreigners who do not love the Aeon will know they are but mortals, destined to fall into the abyss…"
Sunday placed his clenched right hand on his chest. "And I will be Their vanguard, personally bringing you the good news—'Watchmaker.'"
[???]
[What the? How did it become the 'Watchmaker' now?]
[This is giving me a headache!]
[Is the Watchmaker the mastermind?]
[Hahaha, I get it, I get it! It's all fake. Fake!]
But what drove the audience even more insane was, the camera slowly panned upward, until the screen showed only a starry sky.
The closing credits appeared: Honkai: Star Rail Season 4 (Part 1) End!
[???]
[Gaia!!!]
[Aaaaah!]
[Dark crawling, I'm gonna dark crawl!]
[My high blood pressure! Ah!]
[????]
[What story did this even tell?]
[It's over? Cliffhanger here? miHoYo, you master of cliffhangers!]
[Save me…]
—
Meanwhile,
in miHoYo's Interactive City.
The Wise and Belle siblings were typing furiously at their keyboards.
"Brother, didn't we agree to be producers? Why are we doing this kind of work now?" Belle wiped sweat from her forehead, not even having time to drink water.
"No choice. Once you're on this pirate ship, it's not so easy to get off." Wise's eyes darted between four or five screens. "Fairy! Help me analyze the latest data."
A mechanical synthesized voice came from the room. "Understood, Assistant No. 2. Based on my analysis, you two alone can hardly fend off the hacker's attack. miHoYo's official servers are about to be breached."
"How much time is left?" Wise sped up his typing even more.
"Ten…"
"Ten minutes?"
"Nine, eight, seven…"
Belle shouted angrily, "That joke's too old! Stop messing around, Fairy. What about that hacker? The one who claims they never cheat in games?"
Speak of the devil, and the devil appears.
"Ah~" Silver Wolf yawned as she pushed open the door. "Calling me over so early in the morning for what?"
Belle smiled upon seeing Silver Wolf. "miHoYo's servers are about to be breached. If that happens, all of headquarters' data will be leaked."
Silver Wolf gave a thumbs-up. "That's great news. Heh heh heh, Su Chen's secrets will all be exposed. I'm going back to sleep. Let me know when it's breached."
"I'll play games with you."
A gust of wind blew in, and Silver Wolf was already seated, flexing her fingers. "A petty hacker dares to try breaching miHoYo's servers? Let me, Silver Wolf, take them on!"