Sushang: That's a very sad story. Was your planet destroyed?
Acheron: Hmm… I don't remember the specifics very clearly; many things have become blurry. However, some fragments still linger in my mind, refusing to fade.
Acheron: I still remember one scene: a giant black vortex, like a black hole, appeared in the sky, mercilessly devouring everything around it. It was as if, at that moment, everything lost its meaning, and people's efforts, struggles, and sacrifices became an absurd farce.
The existence of Nihility IX is truly lamentable; the slumbering, formless beings that devour everything cannot be resisted by civilizations that haven't left their planets. Or rather, even the top forces in the interstellar space, when facing Nihility, only have two possibilities: escape or self-destruction.
Everyone discussed Nihility for a long time until the next video was released.
Title: Long Night's Dream Walk
The video began playing, and the scene shifted to the interior of the Astral Express.
March 7th, Stelle, Dan Heng, Welt, and Himeko arrived at the Observation Car promptly and assembled. March 7th looked around curiously before asking, "Has the Trailblazer not arrived yet?" Himeko chuckled beside her, teasing, "Heh, I didn't expect Pam to be so mysterious."
Just then, a cough was heard, and Pam appeared before everyone, saying with a hint of apology, "Ahem, apologies for the wait, passengers. As this matter is of great importance, I, as the Trailblazer, took some extra time to prepare, Pam."
Hearing Pam's voice, Stelle also smiled and said, "It's rare to hear the Trailblazer speak."
Pam nodded and said, "All passengers should know, Pam? The Train's destination for this journey is Penacony, The star of the Festival."
Hook: It's time for the honorary members to embark on an adventure!
Seele: So this story takes place even earlier than the first arc? But... it seems quite uneventful.
Everyone also felt it was strange. According to previous patterns, a normal warp jump wouldn't be enough to warrant being shown in this viewing room, unless—something significant was about to happen.
In the video, Pam continued, "Although this Trailblazer knows that everyone has been looking forward to that renowned interstellar hotel for a long time, before departure, there are three things I must remind everyone of."
"First, Asdana, where Penacony is located, is a star system brimming with remembrance, and historically, it was one of the 'Great Holes' where Remembrance Domain leaked. Although thousands of years have passed, the concentration of remembrance ahead is still higher than average."
"Normally, there won't be any major problems... but everyone's physical condition is different. If you experience dizziness, hallucinations, or Memory disorders, you must not take it lightly!"
Silver Wolf: Lol, according to the usual story progression, if they warn you about potential accidents, accidents are bound to happen.
Qingque: What a perfect jinx!
"Second, Penacony is the territory of the harmony Family, and this is the first time the Family has publicly extended invitations to other factions. Remember, The Train is invited as a guest, so you must abide by the rules."
"Got it, just do as the locals do!" March 7th said cheerfully. "Don't worry, Trailblazer, we definitely won't disgrace the Nameless."
"Finally, the third point, rather than a requirement... Pam wants to ask you for an imposition."
As Pam spoke, he rubbed his hands together.
"If possible—I truly hope that while you enjoy your vacation, you can spare some valuable time to try your best to search for information about those Nameless."
Hearing this, Stelle couldn't help but ask curiously, "Does that mean we are about to welcome new companions?"
Himeko gently shook her head, then took over the explanation. "Let me explain the situation."
"Actually, like most worlds The Train stops at along its journey, Penacony was once one of the stations on the Silver Rail. Thousands of years ago, it was just a remote frontier prison established by the Company, but through continuous Trailblaze development, it eventually connected with many stars." Himeko paused slightly here.
Then, she continued, "At that time, the Astral Express also arrived at Penacony—just like a journey in life, there are reunions and partings. According to The Train's travel records from that time, it seems that several passengers resolutely chose to stay in this place and regarded Penacony as their final stop."
"After so long, can they still be found?" Stelle said, shrugging.
Himeko shook her head: "Don't be nervous; just consider it a ritual of returning to an old place. After The Train left, the Stellaron cut off the realms, and Penacony's ownership changed hands several times."
"How those old Nameless who remained here fared, what they experienced, and what traces they left on this world... Exploring the footsteps of our predecessors is also a kind of adventure."
As she spoke, Himeko looked at Pam.
"Even after leaving the stars, the Nameless's Trailblaze will not end. The Trailblazer thinks so too, right?"
Then, she introduced to the Trailblaze Crew again: "According to the crew roster, the three passengers who disembarked back then were Tiernan, Ragework, and Lazarina, who were The Train's guard, mechanic, and surveyor, respectively. Beyond that, there's no other information."
"Only names and professions? And they might not even be their real names... Isn't this like looking for a needle in a haystack?" March 7th said, sighing and shaking her head.
Himeko comforted March 7th, "Just let it be. Considering the diversity of the Nameless... we might even find their descendants, or even, with a very small probability—meet them in person!"
Hearing Himeko say this, March 7th's eyes lit up instantly, but then dimmed again: "Ah, how could something like that be so easy..."
"Alright, alright, don't be so pessimistic." Himeko patted March 7th's shoulder and said with a smile, "Then, this route meeting concludes here. There's still some time before the warp jump, so everyone can spend a little more time checking their luggage."
Pam also nodded: "Before the warp jump begins, this Trailblazer will announce it over the broadcast, Pam!"
Stelle sat on the sofa in the Observation Car, chatting with March 7th.
Soon, Pam's voice came over the broadcast:
"Hello—hello, hello—attention all passengers—"
"The Train is about to warp—The Train is about to warp—Please sit tight, Pam—"
Stelle tightly closed her eyes, silently praying for everything to go smoothly.
"Warp jump about to begin! Five-second countdown starting!"
"Four!"
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"