Chapter 369: Penacony Arc 『 Part Sixty-Four 』, Lost Generation part 3
「 "…That certainly fits the stereotype people have of the Galaxy Rangers." Welt did not press Stelle to continue her recollections, merely sighing. "A motley crew… eccentric, inscrutable, and prone to acting as lone wolves. Hmph, it's no wonder they've come under suspicion."
Stelle found March 7th by the roadside. March was staring at the Grand Theater floating in the distance, murmuring: "I don't know if it's just because it happened so fast, but I can't help feeling… that Miss Robin isn't actually dead. That she's still alive and well somewhere. That this whole thing is just some… horrible prank…"
"I mean, aren't we in a dream? How could anyone die in Penacony, the Land of Dreams? Shouldn't it be a place where only good things happen… right?"
After everything they had witnessed, March 7th's spirits were visibly dampened. She expressed a simple desire for a cold, refreshing SoulGlad to help her keep her cool.
The two returned to the Clockie Statue to regroup. Based on the current leads, Himeko suggested they begin their investigation by looking into the two homicides.
However, there was one point she remained curious about: "If a person dies in a dream, what happens to them in reality? Since we have the Family's permission, perhaps we should return to the real world first and verify Miss Hotaru's condition with the hotel… we might also be able to scout for news regarding Miss Robin while we're at it."
"How about this? We'll split into two groups. There are a few matters within the dreamscape that have caught my attention; I'd like to investigate them first and rejoin you all later," Welt proposed.
Though Himeko was curious, she didn't pry. Having reached an agreement, the group went their separate ways. 」
「 ..... 」
〜Sword Art Online World〜
"Do you think they're in the same situation we were?"
Asuna paused, gazing down at the ripples dancing in her cup. Her own slightly furrowed brow was reflected in the liquid.
"…Having their brains destroyed by microwaves, resulting in death."
Looking back now, Penacony bore a striking resemblance to the circumstances they faced when they first experienced that game: everyone arriving in a virtual world, everyone believing they could find beauty there, and everyone being haunted by the shadow of 'Death.'
If they died in the game, they died in reality.
"There's a high probability,"
Kirito said, taking a deep breath.
"If those who suffered 'Death' in the dreamscape could return to reality perfectly conscious, the truth the Family has been hiding would have leaked long ago. The reason people believe the dreams of Penacony are absolutely safe is precisely because of that unbreakable guarantee. There hasn't been a single rumor of 'Death' for centuries; the Family must have played a hand in that. Right now, Hotaru and Robin have either physically perished, or their bodies are alive, but the Family has erased their memories of their time in Penacony… I can only think of those two explanations."
—
「 Once the others had walked away, Welt's gaze fixed intently on a certain corner.
"…" Welt's expression sharpened. "Honored guest, won't you step out and show yourself?"
Hearing footsteps behind him, Welt turned around. But the moment his eyes met Acheron's, his pupils constricted violently. He couldn't help but let out a sharp intake of breath.
The—The resemblance is uncanny!?
Acheron spoke expressionlessly, "Being stared at like that… even I find it somewhat awkward."
Welt quickly composed himself. "My apologies. I am Welt Yang, a member of the Astral Express. I believe you've already met my companions."
"Welt…" Acheron said, seemingly lost in thought.
Welt's gaze darkened. "Is something wrong with that name?"
Acheron did not answer directly, but instead asked a question of her own: "…Before that, aren't you going to ask for my name?"
"I'm afraid that won't be necessary, Miss Acheron. You are quite the celebrity in Penacony right now. Some claim you are the true culprit behind these serial murders—that the Annihilation Gang, who came to attend the banquet, met a tragic end at your blade. And now, you seek to stir up another bloodbath in Penacony."
"The Annihilation Gang." Acheron turned away. "'Tragic end'… That Duke turned his dying body into a raging fire, sacrificing himself for his Path. He was a steadfast, magnificent Pathstrider. Even if he was a villain, he does not deserve such disparagement." 」
「 ..... 」
〜Honkai: Impact 3rd World〜
"Pfft—"
Tesla suddenly burst out laughing, nudging Welt with her elbow.
"Look at that face you're making. Did you actually get spooked by Mei in another world?"
"Please, that isn't Mei."
Welt adjusted his glasses and took a sip of his lukewarm, bitter coffee.
"At least, not entirely? Mei was never quite so—"
He trailed off, unsure of how to describe this 'Miss Acheron.' It was mostly her eyes. Though they were the same beautiful shade of purple, Mei's gaze was never so hollow.
So hollow… that there was almost nothing left, save for a desolate wilderness.
"Were you going to say 'mature'? Acheron is indeed a bit more mature than Mei,"
Tesla said with a snicker.
"Besides, among the counterparts we've seen so far, this 'Miss Mei' is likely the strongest. She's even more dangerous than that Silver Wolf girl who joined the Stellaron Hunters and can edit reality with ease."
She chewed her bubblegum as she spoke.
"And I have a hunch… her strength is probably on par with Jing Yuan's, maybe even a bit higher."
"Stronger than Jing Yuan… that's a bold claim with no evidence, isn't it?"
"That's why it's just a hunch."
Tesla blew a large bubble.
Even though this 'Mei' was powerful, Welt couldn't help but feel uneasy. For her to be an Emanator meant she had traveled far enough along a certain Path to garner the gaze of a Star God. But if that Path wasn't 『 The Hunt 』, what could it be? It left him both curious and increasingly concerned.
—
「 "Furthermore, there is no shortage of suspicious characters who have accepted the invitation. Do they really think... that a blade is more dangerous than that 'Black Hole' you're wielding?" Acheron said nonchalantly.
Welt's face paled instantly.
"…A keen intuition. Not even the Family could identify the true nature of this cane." Behind his lenses, Welt's eyes became razor-sharp. "Then you must also understand, Miss Acheron, that peering into a black hole is not a wise move. As a potentially dangerous element, your knowledge of us has reached an uncomfortable level—"
"Reveal your true identity and your intentions. Otherwise, brace yourself for gravitational disintegration."
Facing the imminent threat, Acheron's expression didn't change in the slightest. "That shouldn't be necessary… but if it will put the Nameless at ease, I am happy to oblige."
"Whether you believe it or not, Acheron, a Galaxy Ranger… that is my current identity. And my visit to Penacony is merely to fulfill a long-standing 'final request.'" 」
「 ..... 」