Boom!
Another earth-shattering explosion rang out, but when the smoke cleared, Himeko stood unscathed.
"What?!"
Clockie and Capitalist Bird stared in shock. After a few seconds, they shouted in frustration, "We have another trump card! Again!"
"For the sake of this capitalist world! Backup·Backup Hidden Back Energy!"
Boom!
The dust settled, and Himeko stood firm!
"What?! We have another trump card! Again!!"
"Backup·Backup Backup Hidden Back Energy!"
Boom!
Outside the office building, Stelle stared in confusion at the intermittent explosions above. "Are they setting off firecrackers in there? Or has the fight escalated to the point of using bombs as basic attacks?"
"Oh no! Don't eat the sour radish!"
As Himeko emerged unscathed from the smoke once more, Clockie and Capitalist Bird finally broke down, cursing, "Even risking our lives can't stop you?! Why… why?!"
"What do we have to do to create a miracle?!"
Himeko dragged her greatsword, stepping closer. "A miracle? Hmph, just the cowardly act of the weak pinning their hopes on others. Now, no one can save you!"
—"No! There's still a chance!"
At that moment, Mick, who had been hiding outside the battle, spoke up. He shouted, "Capitalist Bird, Clockie, believe that hope exists! Believe in the light!"
"Believe—"
Bang!
Before he could finish, Capitalist Bird was sent flying by Himeko's punch, crashing through the floor-to-ceiling window and hitting Stelle, who had just flown up.
Before falling, Stelle shouted, "What can I say!"
Shush looked at his empty hands, then at Stelle plummeting below. Just as he moved to rescue her, Clockie came crashing through the glass, hitting him dead-on.
Shush: "Man!"
All four plummeted toward the ground, but at that moment, the three below noticed the commotion above and flew up to help—
Smack smack smack!
Shush, Capitalist Bird, and Clockie hit the ground hard, creating three craters. Only Stelle was caught by the trio, safe and sound.
Seconds later, the four reached the top floor, greeted by a wrecked room and… a trembling Mick.
"Why are you here?"
Himeko turned, puzzled, then froze. "Stelle…? You're okay?"
Stelle scratched her head. "I was in trouble, but now I'm fine… Anyway, Uncle Yang, March, and Firefly saved me. Otherwise, I'd really have to sell myself."
"What?!"
Mick stared at Stelle in disbelief. "How is that possible… Dreamflux Reef is governed by the power of [Order]. Anyone who can't pay the fines signs a lifelong labor contract to repay the debt. No matter how strong you are, there's no exception… Why are you fine?!"
As if realizing something, Mick's eyes widened. "Could it be… that vampire Sunday…?"
"You're overthinking it." Stelle crossed her arms, smug. "Hmph, you think I'm just a mascot?"
"Let me tell you, I'm the Astral Express's top Preservation! My strength is beyond your imagination! You'd never guess…"
"I can borrow money on the spot! Eight billion! And I can pay it back in installments!"
Mick's pupils shook. "Wha… what, borrow money?! Forget strangers—even brothers who've known each other for decades wouldn't lend you eight billion credits! You didn't scam that money through shady means, did you?"
Stelle huffed, displeased. "Do I look like someone who'd scam?"
Mick froze, silent for a long while.
"Alright, back to business, Mick. You need to explain the dream anomalies," Welt said. "I got word that recently, there've been tons of 'death without revival' incidents in the dream. Why? What are you up to?"
A stable dream is the foundation of Penacony's prosperity. No faction of the Family would want to see this happen.
So, there must be some hidden secret behind it.
"Hmph… I'd advise you to stay out of this!" Mick gritted his teeth. "And I'm the current Chairman of Penacony's corporation. You lot don't have the authority to interrogate me!"
"I'm not saying anything!"
—"No, you will."
At that moment, a voice rang out. A massive figure suddenly emerged from Stelle's body—sculpted muscles, a striking clock-shaped head, and a somewhat comical pair of suspenders. It was Clockwork Daddy!
Everyone: ???
How did that come out of her? And what is that humanoid thing?!
Among those present, only Firefly had seen Clockwork Daddy before. Everyone else looked like they'd seen a ghost.
Clockwork Daddy stood before Mick. "Mick, remember me?"
"What? Clockwork Daddy?! You… you're not dead?" Mick looked like he'd seen a specter. "Didn't you vanish with the old man?!"
He could never forget the psychological shadow Clockwork Daddy cast over him.
This was practically his strictest father!
Clockwork Daddy slapped Mick across the face. "Watch your language."
Mick, staring at the mountain of muscles, swallowed hard, his eyes filled with fear. Gone was his earlier arrogance. He dropped to his knees with practiced ease, bowing. "Daddy, I was wrong!"
Clockwork Daddy gave him a resounding smack on the butt. "Louder!"
"Daddy, I was wrong!!"
Clockwork Daddy nodded, satisfied, then turned to Stelle. "Friend, it's your turn!"
"Use that hat and wipe this guy out for good!"
Hearing this, Mick recoiled in terror. "Wait, Daddy, can we… can we negotiate? The shares don't matter anymore. I-I don't want to die!"
Stelle gripped her hand, and the hat appeared. She exchanged a glance with Clockwork Daddy, nodding in sync as they unleashed their ultimate move:
"Co-Star, Curtain Up!"
Without warning, a graceful dance sequence flashed through Stelle's mind. She and Clockwork Daddy moved in perfect harmony, spinning and leaping under everyone's stunned gazes. As the dance concluded, Stelle felt her body surge with power.
"Clockwork Trick, Activate!" Stelle, holding the hat, charged at Mick alongside Clockwork Daddy. Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, they dove headfirst into Mick's body.
"Hmph, aaaaaaaah—!"
Being penetrated by both at once, Mick let out a pained wail, but Stelle and Clockwork Daddy paid no heed. Head, torso, legs… they fully merged into his body and vanished.
"…!"
The air was silent for a long time until Welt rubbed his eyes. "Did I drink too much soda?"