"It sounds like you're just repeating your own misery, and in a very stubborn way at that," Ratio said with a helpless expression.
"That's all I can say. Have you forgotten? You've already betrayed me, Professor." Aventurine reminded him sternly,
"Go where you need to go. I can't wait to see the Company's fleet surround Penacony. You got what you wanted, didn't you?"
[March 7th: Is he still acting?]
[Welt: Obviously. Speaking of which, if a high-ranking Company executive really dies in Penacony... the Company definitely won't let it go easily.]
[Jing Yuan: A perfect declaration, isn't it, Mr. 'Gambler'? He truly entered the game himself, trying to scheme against the Family.]
"Indeed, but so what? Is there a beacon for calling orbital support hidden in your gift bag?" A mocking smile appeared at the corner of Ratio's mouth, his tone full of disdain.
A mysterious expression appeared on Aventurine's face, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
"Maybe? Perhaps that's why I'm still thinking about giving out money even when facing death."
Ratio couldn't help but roll his eyes, grumbling impatiently: "...You're completely insane, you damned gambler."
However, facing Ratio's accusation, Aventurine appeared unusually serious. He murmured,
"Maybe I've been crazy for a long time, who knows."
"Heh, hmm... never mind. Take this, keep it. Open it when you're on the verge of death, you'll thank me." Ratio said with a cold laugh, handing the small, exquisite bottle to Aventurine.
Aventurine lowered his head, full of suspicion, gazing at the mysterious little bottle in front of him, thinking to himself,
What in the world is this? Is it some kind of life-saving medical advice? Just as he was about to ask, he looked up and was surprised to find that Dr. Ratio had already silently left.
Looking at the empty street, Aventurine shook his head helplessly, chuckling to himself, "Heh, you certainly know drama, Professor."
With that, he carefully put the small bottle into his pocket, as if it contained a precious pill that could decide life and death.
Suddenly, he clutched his head, looking pained, and gritted his teeth, "You want me to investigate, but you don't give me any clues... You really are something, you winged bastard."
[Star: Sunday's title +1]
[Sparkle: I still think 'Chicken Wing Boy' sounds better, hehe~]
But the Family's illegal immigrant looking so uneasy certainly confirmed my suspicions. Next... let the Company's rain of wealth fall equally on everyone.
Under the dazzling, colorful lights, people came and went in a continuous stream on Golden Age Plaza. Aventurine was hurrying through the crowded plaza with his briefcase, his sharp gaze scanning his surroundings, carefully choosing his target. Just then, a clear, melodious female voice suddenly rang out over the plaza:
"To keep the song of purity echoing throughout the galaxy, please support my performance."
Upon hearing this, Aventurine immediately turned his head and saw a woman in beautiful attire dancing gracefully, with various instruments she played herself placed beside her. She moved lightly while diligently promoting herself to the people around her.
From her appearance, this lady was at most a small, unremarkable celebrity, but Aventurine thought to himself: Perhaps she might have some clues?
With this thought, Aventurine slowly walked towards the lady and handed her a gemstone: "This gemstone is for you."
"Wow, what a beautiful gemstone! Such a clear and dazzling gemstone, and someone would be willing to just give it to a stranger they've never met?" The lady's face was full of astonishment and confusion, but she couldn't hide her inner joy.
"Because I..." Aventurine's lips curved slightly into a faint smile, and he said softly, "can't bear to see anyone poor in a beautiful dream."
The lady was moved by this, and said with great emotion, "You are truly kind-hearted. Then I will accept it. Thank you, sir, for our first meeting. If there's an opportunity, you're welcome to come and hear me sing."
Aventurine still smiled, and responded firmly, "It's a deal. However, I'd also like to take this opportunity to ask, have you heard any anecdotes about death?"
"death?" Hearing this word, the lady's expression suddenly turned grave, and a hint of fear and unease appeared in her eyes. She frowned and murmured, "This... is truly a chilling word, not fitting for a beautiful dream."
"To be honest, I'm a tabloid reporter, collecting Penacony ghost stories. These things, as you probably know... the scarier they are, the more attention they get. Perhaps you could help me?"
[Seele: 'To be honest']
[March 7th: Although I don't like lying, this is a necessary evil.]
"If rumors are acceptable... Although it's not related to death, it is said that at the Reality Hotel, guests once fell asleep and never woke up." The lady said softly with a serious expression, her voice revealing a hint of worry and unease:
"It seemed to be an unexplained coma, but fortunately the person eventually regained consciousness... After all, the Family protects their guests."
"Thank you, that's enough. May Aeon Xipe bless us."
Falling asleep and not waking up is very consistent with the reaction that might occur in the real body after the brain dies in a dream. If only the part about not waking up wasn't there.
Aventurine couldn't help but sigh, then frowned again. Ah... it feels like there's something in his head. Is it harmony, starting to have an effect?
After his gaze swept around, he fixed on an Old Woman beside the Turntable Bar. He then walked up to her and handed her a gemstone:
"This is for you, I hope you like it."
The Old Woman, bending over, squinted and said,
"You... Oh, I understand, this must be some kind of prank show! You must have set up cameras on the building over there to film yourself doing good deeds, didn't you?"
Immediately after, the Old Woman's tone became stern as she reprimanded, "You young people, always thinking about taking shortcuts, that's no good. A truly good show needs to be made with heart."
Facing the Old Woman's rebuke, Aventurine remained very friendly. He smiled and explained, "A good show will be on soon, Old Woman. But before that, I want to ask you something. Do you know where to find death in this dream?"