Player world, Version 2.0 update day, 9:28 AM.
Countless people squatted and waited for maintenance to end right away, then immediately jumped into the game after launch.
Upon logging in, they received Pom-Pom's group message and teleported back to the Express to prepare for the journey to the next stop.
"The next stop that was mentioned at launch has finally arrived. It really wasn't easy."
She sighed with emotion and opened the map to teleport.
In the center of the Parlor Car, Himeko, Leon, Welt, Dan Heng, and March 7th were already waiting.
She stepped forward to interact.
Stelle: "Everyone, your Galaxy Baseball Girl has arrived right on time~~"
March 7th rolled her eyes at her: "Arriving early? That's rare. By the way, Himeko, has the Conductor not arrived yet?"
Himeko chuckled lightly: "Pom-Pom also has times when it likes to keep people in suspense."
As soon as her words fell, the familiar petite figure walked over with cute steps and arrived before everyone.
"Ahem, sorry for keeping you waiting, passengers. Because it's an important matter, your Conductor took some time to prepare, Pom."
Stelle: "It's rare to see the Conductor speak up. Does this finally mean we can head to the next stop?"
Pom-Pom nodded.
"Passengers should already know, Pom. The destination of this journey is the Star of the Banquet, Penacony."
"Although your Conductor also knows that everyone has been looking forward to that famous cosmic starry hotel for a long time."
"But before departure, there are three things I need to remind everyone about again."
"First, Asdana, where Penacony is located, is a star system filled with memetic essence. Historically, it was one of the major leaks from the Memetic Realm."
"Even though thousands of years have passed, the memetic concentration there is still higher than average."
"Generally speaking, there shouldn't be any major issues, but everyone's physical condition is different."
"If you experience dizziness, hallucinations, or memory disturbances, you must not take them lightly!"
Leon timely spoke up: "Conductor, please rest assured. I have already prepared targeted medicine."
"After taking it, even little March will not be affected by such mild symptoms."
"…Doctor Leon, although you did a great job and thought it through thoroughly, why use me as the example?"
March 7th's small face formed a distorted expression, then she glared at Stelle.
"It must be this playful guy who corrupted Leon. He didn't used to tease me like this!"
"This one's on me." Stelle rubbed her nose and didn't refute.
After all, refuting might earn her an elbow…
Pom-Pom gave Leon a look of approval, then continued to add.
"Second, Penacony is the territory of the Harmony Family. This is also the first time the Family has publicly issued invitations to other factions."
"Remember, the Express is attending as guests by invitation. You must follow the rules that need to be followed."
March 7th: "Got it. Basically, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Don't worry, Conductor, we definitely won't embarrass the Nameless."
Stelle patted her chest and guaranteed: "That's right, I definitely won't go digging through trash cans."
It would have been better if she hadn't said it. As soon as she did, the corner of March 7th's eye twitched.
On second thought, there probably wouldn't be trash cans in the dream world… right?
Well, it couldn't be confirmed.
Pom-Pom: "Finally, the third point. Rather than a requirement… it's more like a favor Pom-Pom wants to ask of everyone."
"If possible, I hope that while you are on vacation, you can also spare some time to help inquire about news of a few Nameless."
Stelle perked up: "What Nameless? Does this mean we're getting new companions?"
"Let me explain."
Himeko took over.
"Just like most worlds where the Express stops, Penacony was once a stop on the Silver Rail."
"Thousands of years ago, it was still the IPC's frontier prison. It was Trailblaze that connected it with the thousand stars."
"At that time, the Astral Express had also visited Penacony."
"Journeys have gatherings and partings. According to the Express records, several passengers chose to disembark at Penacony and selected that place as their final stop."
"Th-Thousands of years ago?" March 7th was stunned.
Stelle's expression was similar: "Even for long-life species, can they still be alive after living that long?"
Special existences like Leon were extremely rare.
"Naturally, it can't be thousands of years, though the time isn't short either…"
Himeko smiled slightly and waved her hand.
"Just treat it as a kind of homecoming ritual. After the Express left, the Stellaron isolated the worlds, and Penacony's ownership changed hands several times."
"How those old Nameless who stayed in Penacony lived afterward, what they experienced, and what traces they left on that world…"
"Exploring the footsteps of our predecessors is also a form of adventure."
"Even after leaving the starry sky and the Express, the Trailblaze of the Nameless will not end. The Conductor thinks the same, right?"
Before Pom-Pom could speak, the mask on Leon's head was already impatient.
"That goes without saying! Aha was once a member of the Nameless too. Darling, this time we must… ow——"
"Shush. Want to blow up the Express again?"
"Eh? Brother actually guessed that Aha wanted to see fireworks. We really are of one mind… No! Aha definitely doesn't mean to blow up the Express!"
"You'd better not."
"Darling~~ When did a layer of worrisome barrier appear between our mutual trust?"
Aha said coquettishly:
"Aha does have bombs prepared, but they're not on me. If I'm lying, then I won't be able to deepen feelings with Darling for a thousand years~~"
"…"
Leon tried his best to maintain composure.
The words sounded nice, and the guarantee sounded even nicer. Even if it was true, the starting point would definitely include seeking Elation.
From the player's perspective, Himeko smiled and shared the information.
"According to the passenger roster, the three passengers who disembarked back then were named Tiernan, Mikhail, and Razalina respectively."
"They were once the Express's guard, mechanic, and cartographer. There is no other information besides that."
March 7th scratched her head: "Only names and occupations… and they might not even be real names. Isn't this like looking for a needle in a haystack?"
Himeko: "Just go with the flow. Considering the diversity of the Nameless, we might even find their descendants."
"Or even—with an extremely small probability—see the people themselves."
"Then this route meeting ends here. There is still some time before the jump. Everyone can spend a bit more time checking your luggage."
Pom-Pom: "Before the jump begins, your Conductor will make a broadcast announcement."
※Long Days, Entering the Night
Talk with the Express Crew 0/5
Ah Xian glanced at the nearest character and stepped forward to talk to Welt first.
"How about it? Are you ready for departure?"
Stelle: "You know me, I always travel light. I don't need to pack at all, and I have no luggage."
Welt was also used to her personality and smiled:
"On the Family's territory, there probably won't be any thrilling adventures. In my opinion, that's somewhat a pity."
"However, it's still a rare opportunity to relax. Just enjoy it properly."