"miHoYo Film Interaction City has, for the first time since its founding, suspended operations for rectification! The specific reason for the closure remains unknown."
"miHoYo will air Season 7 ahead of schedule."
"miHoYo acquires Golden Grand Hotel!"
"miHoYo's latest shareholding ratio update!"
"miHoYo to close for 7 days; specific reasons not disclosed."
"miHoYo begins layoffs? Multiple employees terminated!"
In just a few short days.
News about miHoYo came wave after wave.
Thanks to the net drama Honkai: Star Rail, miHoYo had leaped to become the leading company in the net drama industry.
With countless stars under its banner, it naturally became the focal point of public opinion storms.
Many young people couldn't help but start discussing it.
[Silver Wolf's current boyfriend: Bros, we're doomed—big trouble! Interaction City actually shut down?]
[Honkai: Star Rail Succubus Stelle: Don't spread rumors. It's not a permanent shutdown; it seems like some internal company reform, so they're closing for a few days.]
[I Love Himeko's Coffee: But with Interaction City's visitor volume, one day drives so much economy—would the government really let miHoYo close for 7 days?]
[Let Me Melt Jingliu: I feel like something major happened at miHoYo. First they acquire a hotel, then immediately close, and right after that they drop Season 7. Season 6 literally just finished airing a few days ago!]
[I Want to Eat Ruan Mei Rice: Something feels off, like some huge incident happened.]
[Kafka's Dog: Online rumors say miHoYo started mass layoffs. Are things really that bad?]
[Huohuo Huohuo Yuanjia: No way—right now miHoYo's actors are worth so much. Do you know how high their endorsement fees alone are?]
[Kafka's Dog: I don't know the endorsement fees, but I remember when Dio and Kafka did that limited collab product. A 13,999 outfit sold out in seconds.]
[It's miHoYo Not miHoYo: So I'm even more confused about miHoYo's problem. Business is booming, Honkai: Star Rail and Honkai Impact 3rd are both advancing steadily—why is this happening?]
[Firefly Gate Forever: Let's just wait and see. At least they dropped Season 7 first. By the way, when does Season 7 start?]
[Xianzhou Foxian Squad Prison Yun: It's starting right now—Prison Yun is about to appear.]
[I Love Himeko's Coffee: So jealous of people who win the revival match.]
[Silver Wolf's current boyfriend: It's open, bros—charge!]
— —
To calm public sentiment, Season 7 continued with a full batch release.
But no one knew exactly what had happened at miHoYo.
The audience and viewers, however, didn't care about all that.
The story of Season 7 returned once again to Penacony.
After all, the last time Penacony appeared was in Season 4, and they had very thoughtfully provided a recap.
After a simple recap of the previous plot.
It jumped straight in with zero-frame start.
Picking up right after the end of Season 4, the crew was still discussing their next destination.
[Wait, why haven't I seen this place before?]
[It's probably a new map for the Express, right?]
[Then it's fine!]
[I remember this picks up from the end of Season 4—Black Swan came out and recommended everyone head to Amphoreus next.]
— —
"The 'Eternal Land' Amphoreus…" Welt Yang fell into deep thought.
"There's no record of this world in the archives—not even its name has appeared." Dan Heng stroked his chin.
"Yeah, didn't Miss Black Swan say the same thing? A world that's nearly impossible to observe from the outside—only reflected in the Mirror of Memoklept—" March 7th subconsciously glanced at Stelle. "She only joined the Express not long ago. Isn't this journey going to be way too difficult for her?"
Stelle planted her hands on her hips. "I've been on the Express for almost two years already."
"What? No way it's been that long."
[Has it really been that long?]
[Pretty much. One season takes about 42 days of waiting. And Luofu and Penacony arcs were split across multiple seasons, so the timeline adds up.]
[Before we knew it, Honkai: Star Rail has been with us this long?]
— —
As the plot progressed, the gist was that no matter where the Express's next stop would be, they needed thorough preparation. The crew would remain in Penacony for a while longer.
At this moment, no one yet realized just how "fulfilling" this vacation would become. They would together witness the grand martial event of the Xianzhou, and even in their spare time, fulfill a promise made to a certain genius—
And the people they would meet again… would include not only friends, but also foes.
The scene shifted to the Golden Hour of Penacony.
Two members of the Family were discussing matters related to the Oak Family.
"Looks like you know quite a few inside details. Now I'm curious… so is the news true or false? Was all that commotion a while back really because something happened to the Oak lineage?"
"That puts me in a tough spot. Didn't I just say? Chaos is also a method of maintaining stability. Who knows who's fanning the flames—there are more than a dozen rumors flying around outside, each more outrageous than the last."
"Hm, I've heard some too. Like conspiracy theories saying 'the IPC planned everything,' or that the chaos was ended by a car crash—total nonsense. So what's the real truth?"
"The truth was probably buried under the rumors long ago. The only thing certain is that someone took the blame."
"You mean… the former Oak Family Head?"
"Yes. The Harmony Ceremony was interrupted unexpectedly, and he shouldered most of the blame alone. After that, he vanished completely. Not just his whereabouts—even whether he's alive or dead is unclear. Terrifying. Who knows… maybe, just like the former Black Cloth family lineage, we unknowingly witnessed history."
"But regarding that Family Head, I've heard another version…"
[I only heard "Debt-Settling Great Saint Sunday."]
[Professional fall guy—Sunday bro!]
[Sunday bro, I'll take good care of Robin for you!]
[Get lost!]
— —
At that moment, a person dressed in lavish attire approached alongside a Pepeshi.
Two members stepped forward to block them. "Esteemed guests, our apologies. Dreamweavers are currently inspecting nearby sections; all related facilities are temporarily suspended. Please take a detour for now."
The Pepeshi, Oneweek, was somewhat irritated. "What's going on? Is it the Stellaron's influence again? Can people in Penacony still dream in peace?"
[What's his name? Oneweek?]
[One week—literally "one week."]
The Family member patiently explained, "Please rest assured. The Stellaron was sealed long ago. This is just a routine inspection—you can think of it as enhanced security measures. The Family will spare no effort to protect every guest's beautiful dreams."
"I see. Sorry for the trouble." As they spoke, the camera panned to the lavishly dressed individual.
Accompanied by a familiar voice, the camera slowly slid upward, finally revealing half of his face.
"Hm? Excuse me, esteemed guest—have we met somewhere before?"
"Is that so…" The camera gave a close-up of his face. Sunday officially made his entrance. "When and where might that have been?"
At that moment, he activated the power of Harmony.
[He's so beautiful.]
[He's so handsome!]
[This exact scene is peak handsome.]
[Oh my imprisoned Sunday, you finally escaped that broken cage.]
[This outfit finally gives off some young-master energy.]
[I think it looks better than the suit and tie.]
— —
"Perhaps I was mistaken. My apologies—please continue enjoying your beautiful dreams." The Family member pressed a hand to his forehead.
The two passersby left the Bloodhound's line of sight.
Oneweek grumbled as they walked. "You really know how to stir up trouble. So many roads, but you had to walk straight under the Bloodhounds' noses."
Sunday gave a faint smile. "With you here, there likely won't be any issues. Even in the worst case—if the Harmony disguise is seen through—we still have ways to escape."
"At least think about other people for once, Penacony's number-one fugitive. Just standing next to you is enough to get me in trouble."
"That's precisely why I must travel with you. Right now, you're the only person in Penacony I can rely on."
"Hmph, the only person you can rely on…" Oneweek pointed at a street-side television screen playing Robin's advertisement. "What about her?"
Sunday fell silent for a moment. "At least she hasn't been dragged down by me."
Oneweek gave a mocking laugh. "What, feeling disappointed?"
"Why would you say that?"
"I just think you probably need a blow more than comfort. I've seen too many people like you. After one failure, they secretly hope everyone will come and criticize them—only then can their heart settle. As if being scolded means the mistake can be redeemed.
But if I really wanted to hurt you, I'd choose a different method. For example… sympathy?"
Sunday nodded. "You're right. I can't refute that."
"She's still in Penacony right now. Not going to see her?" Oneweek glanced at Robin on the screen.
"No need. Since you're so keen on guessing what's in my heart, it shouldn't be hard for you to understand… I cannot meet her as a 'fugitive.'"
[I just noticed a problem. Isn't Sunday from the Halovian race? Where's his halo?]
[Now that you mention it, I didn't notice either—I was too busy staring at his outfit.]
[I think this Oneweek guy is kinda funny. Why didn't we see him before?]
— —
Sunday still had matters he must attend to. He headed with Oneweek toward Aideen Park.
Not far from the park, Sunday stopped and carefully observed the two Bloodhounds ahead. "Two Bloodhounds. Unlike the previous pair, they look like they're on official business. Has something happened at Aideen Park?"
Oneweek grew impatient. "Hey—you're just gonna stand there staring by yourself?"
Sunday glanced at Oneweek. "Sorry. I forgot you're not tall enough to see."
Oneweek: "…"
[Hahahaha, I'm dying.]
[This Oneweek is so cute!]
[Is there any info on him? I want to see his story.]
[Turns out Imprisoned Sunday has this kind of savage sarcasm ability.]
[Oof, straight to the heart, bro!]
[Sunday bro, hurry up and pick him up!]
— —
Oneweek felt utterly helpless and could only scratch his head to hide his embarrassment. "I really don't understand why I have to tag along with you on this trip."
"I already told you—aside from you, I have no other choice." Sunday paused. "Besides, you and I were once irreconcilable enemies. Dragging you into this won't go against my conscience."
[Hahaha, has Sunday awakened some unbelievable new trait?]
[Imprisoned Sunday feels kinda goofy now. Where'd all that mastermind aura from before go?]
Oneweek gave a thumbs-up. "You can actually say something like that—you really have no conscience at all."
"But even so, you will repay this favor. After all, I once gave you a second life."
Oneweek's eyes widened as he stared at Sunday. "I… who the hell brags about themselves like that?"
[Hahaha, he almost said it but stopped.]
[I'm really curious—how did they go from "benefactor who gave a second life" to "sworn enemies"?]
"You were abandoned in the wilderness, on the verge of death, when I pointed out a path to survival and led you out of that deadly place. Later, when your mind was in chaos and you saw no future, it was again I who exhausted every means to preserve your position within the Family."
Sunday listed the favors he had done for Oneweek as if reciting from memory.
"Enough, enough—you talk like you've rehearsed it a hundred times. Repaying a favor is one thing; throwing my life away is another. I genuinely don't understand—why do we have to come back to Penacony? Did the IPC send you on a mission?"
Oneweek's eyes darted. "'Oh, you can regain your freedom, but as the price, you must turn against your former family'—something like that?"
Sunday shook his head. "Unfortunately, that esteemed lady Jade gave no such instructions."
The next moment, he fell into recollection.
"Go. You are free, god-chosen one who dared to overstep your bounds. Break your own wings, descend to the mortal world, walk upon the earth, and see what humanity truly looks like." Jade stood at the grand entrance, gazing at Sunday still bound in chains.
Sunday gritted his teeth. "I will not accept your charity."
"I already said—this is a transaction, and you don't need to respond immediately. The harvest doesn't come in a single day. Waiting is what I do best. The beautiful dream continues; the night is long. You have plenty of time to think it over slowly."
The memory ended there.
Sunday let out a deep sigh. "She merely left behind those meaningful words and returned my freedom to me. As for whether I can pay the price of that freedom… at the very least, I must first understand what the price even is."
Oneweek hit the nail on the head. "People who owe the IPC favors rarely end up well."
Sunday nodded in agreement. "But that's a matter for later. All accounts must be settled in time. For now, allow me to exercise this right to freedom."
"To walk straight into a trap?"
"Or to repay old debts." Sunday surveyed all of Penacony. "This departure will be forever. Before I leave Penacony, I wish to take one last look back."
Oneweek delivered a precise roast. "Then just look from far away."
[Hahaha, that roast is basically speaking for everyone.]
[I feel like their banter frequency is hilarious. Why didn't they give us this in Season 4?]
[Same. Oneweek could sit at Scott's table.]
— —
"This trip also has other purposes. Although the 'Philosopher's Fetus' has already fallen, Penacony's 'Order' wasn't built in a single day. Traces of the Oak Family's influence likely still linger in this beautiful dream." Sunday said slowly.
"No need to dress it up so nicely. The other four great families can handle the problem just fine."
"I know my sins. I should not let others clean up the aftermath of my mistakes."