At the same time, in the Penacony Dreamscape, within Clock Studios Theme Park.
Acheron stood before a massive screen.
However, a terrifying slash mark was deeply etched across the entire park.
She spoke slowly, her back to the camera, "I'm not planning to do anything."
"That's not up to you."
A Pepeshi person slowly approached Acheron from behind.
At the same time, countless others followed.
His voice was like a chorus of countless individuals, filled with men, women, young, and old.
"Do you know? People arriving in the Land of Dreams for the first time instinctively pause, confirming they're still standing on solid ground. Then, without fail, they look up at the sky.
Whether in reality or dream, gazing at the sky is human instinct. Since the 'Golden Hour' was established, it has always been there, watching over every night of revelry and debauchery."
He paused, then looked at the gash in the sky, "But now, this night sky has been mercilessly cleaved, stained with the haze of 'Nihility.' And this process… took only a single slash."
Acheron slightly turned her head, "'One slash'… isn't accurate. It was two slashes, but the second was rather swift."
"That's not the point."
[Hahaha, she's so precise!]
[Laughed so hard, Acheron always has that cold humor.]
[Acheron's linguistic art really throws people off.]
[Is this about one slash or two? I haven't blinked in three days, and you ask if my eyes are dry?]
—
The Pepeshi person continued,
"This grand event has gathered too many guests who shouldn't have been invited. Even though 'Harmony' embraces all, for the sake of Penacony's peace, I must issue an eviction notice to some…
The Star of the Festivities has no place for you, puppet of Nihility. Those living in shadows should not step onto the illuminated stage."
During the conversation, a crow-like bird perched high in the park.
Acheron crossed her hands over her chest, slowly opening her half-closed eyes, "As for living in shadows, we're not so different. At the very least, when speaking to others, you should show your true form…"
Then, she turned, looking at the Pepeshi person, "Penacony's 'Dreammaster.'"
The Dreammaster smiled faintly, "That's one more reason you can't stay. But whether you believe it or not, this is the real 'me.' Not only that, every single one is."
Men, women, young, old, all sorts of people surrounded Acheron.
And all spoke in unison.
Acheron's expression was calm as still water, "Is this what the Family calls 'one heart, one mind'?"
"My mortal shell dissipated long ago. The 107,336 children of the Oak Family are my eyes, ears, and mouth now. When needed, I spread harmony in this sweet dream, and when necessary… I banish evil from this paradise on their behalf."
[Yo? That's some high-tier vibe!]
[Why does it feel like it's got a biblical flavor?]
"It sounds like you're asking me to leave Penacony." Acheron's hands drooped to her chest again.
"I'm glad you're self-aware, but unfortunately, it's not a 'request.'"
"You think you can make it happen."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Hm… I used a period. It's a… statement."
[It shouldn't be 'request,' it should be 'beg'!]
[Hahaha, Acheron's deadpan humor is killing it.]
[Cold humor, what a contrast!]
[I love this. Acheron, serve me tonight.]
[You're dreaming!]
[Got to say, this condition's getting worse lately!]
—
"Those who still show such malice after knowing my identity—you're not the first, nor will you be the last. This scene has played out too many times. When I question them, most retort, 'Why not?'"
Acheron's demeanor exuded composure, "But the result… has always been 'no.'"
[Using the most low-key words to say the most badass things.]
[So damn cool, I freaking love it.]
[I want that strong-and-aloof vibe. If I had Acheron's strength, I'd be even cockier!]
"You're very confident, but remember—the Family is humble, but never weak. The chords of 'Harmony' resonate across the cosmos. If you don't comply, the moment your blade unsheathes even a fraction, you'll never escape the wrath of 'The Infinite Husband' for the rest of your life."
The Dreammaster didn't back down in aura, "And before that… 137 people. That's the number of outsiders I've personally banished since becoming Dreammaster. Some broke my wings, some burned my body… but today, I still stand here, and I don't mind adding one more to that count."
"Then you will die." The camera zoomed in on Acheron's face, a deep, chilling coldness, "I mean… 'all of you' will."
The Dreammaster didn't respond, "…"
Acheron sighed, a playful smirk, "But that won't happen. As you said, I'll leave."
"A very wise choice."
"There don't seem to be other options."
"For you, this is indeed the only path. Always remember, you and Penacony don't belong to the same world. Those born on the other shore cannot find a home on this one.
Leave, and never return. The Star of the Festivities' light is too dazzling, attracting too many liars, villains, and criminals. But even 'Harmony'… will absolutely not welcome the self-destroyers of 'Nihility.'
Especially a self-destroyer who drags everything around her into ruin. Your power is clearly a gift from the Formless One of Dormancy, unfathomably deep, like a tributary flowing from the abyss, bringing death and sin to all beings.
'Acheron'… a name well-earned."
Acheron paused her steps, a barely noticeable sadness flashing in her eyes, "Take this as advice from someone from the other shore: you know better than I do that Penacony has already strayed from 'Harmony.' Whatever your purpose is… I can only see one outcome."
Acheron looked up at the Nighted Thrush above, "Its future is a realm of 'Nihility,' just like all worlds drowned in Their shadow."
—
At the same time, Golden Hour.
The street crowd watched the television news on the screen.
"The unusual phenomenon earlier was caused by a malfunction of equipment at Clock Studios Theme Park. The Family has immediately sealed off the site, and no one was injured. Dear guests, please rest assured."
A Pepeshi guest shook their head, "I swear, that was definitely not a movie shoot! So many chips fell from the sky, I even grabbed one, but in the blink of an eye, it vanished without a trace!"
"Excuse me, are you talking about the incident at Clock Studios Theme Park?"
Hearing the voice, the Pepeshi guest turned, "Hm? Yeah, what's up… R-Robin, Miss Robin?! Am I seeing this right?"
After Robin's explanation, she handed the guest a button.
"This button is…"
"Press it at a certain moment during the festival, and there might be a surprise. Well, it seems other guests are troubled too, so I'll take my leave. Enjoy the dreamscape."
[Isn't Robin dead?]
[Firefly made it to the revival match, so Robin definitely isn't dead.]
[I mean, I know Robin can win the revival match, but she shouldn't be here!]
[Uh… keep watching.]
[But why does the subtitle show three '?' marks for her name?]