Those words instantly shocked everyone present.
"Sinking? You mean… the dream world is collapsing?"
Black Swan explained calmly, showing no tension: "The Dream Hotel's situation is the omen."
"…I see. That explains the dissonance in the Family's words."
Welt understood: "If this news got out, regardless of guests' actual safety, the Planet of the Festivities' reputation would suffer."
"With the Charmony Festival approaching, they have no choice but to conceal it."
"Guests' safety… that might not even be guaranteed. The monster she encountered is the best proof, right? Need me to remind you again? It's a memoria meme…"
"A meme symbolizing death and murder—how could it appear in a dream the Family claims is [absolutely safe]? In Penacony, anyone can lie… perhaps even the Family themselves?"
Himeko looked at Black Swan. [Memories] don't lie, but a Memokeeper… that's another story.
"Miss Black Swan, we fully understand the situation now. Back to your initial proposal…"
"What reason does the Garden of Recollection have to cooperate with the Astral Express?"
At this stage, the only faction the Express could fully trust was the Eternity Church. Why? Their Aeon was literally riding the train—no trust issues there.
"Hmm, allow me to correct… this is my personal request, not on behalf of the Garden. The answer's simple, Miss Himeko—I just want an exchange… of [memories]."
"Beyond duty, I have some… personal aesthetic pursuits." Black Swan turned. "I'm a Memokeeper and a collector. I want to witness those crystalline, brilliant precious memories—perfectly understandable, no?"
"And you—the Nameless of the Astral Express, practitioners of [Trailblaze]… I believe in your potential and the unique brilliance you'll radiate on this stage."
"Plus, a personal whim… I'd like to collect some memories about [Eternity]."
The instant Black Swan said that, she sensed the subtle shift in the crew's expressions.
"Why not go to the Church? They definitely know [Eternity] better than the Express." March 7th asked bluntly.
"About that… THEY don't seem to like the Garden of Recollection's Memokeepers much."
Black Swan had no confidence probing an [Eternity] Emanator's memories—avoiding backlash would be lucky enough.
After dancing with that purple-haired woman calling herself a Galaxy Ranger, Black Swan learned not to casually enter someone's memories unprepared.
But now… with this new light cone, perhaps she could target the Eternity Church. She hadn't touched [Eternity] memories yet.
The light cone's content was simple: a Fool's mask and ∞ hourglass, separated by a dramatic clown hammer.
The former symbolized the Masked Fools, the latter the Eternity Church. What did the hammer mean…
Could it be… somewhere she hadn't noticed, the Church's Pontiff had hammered a Masked Fool?
Not the time for that. Black Swan said: "That's why I want to befriend you all. Where nightmares and sweet dreams converge… the perfect cradle for [memories]."
Himeko closed her eyes in thought. "…Understood. But before answering, we need to discuss."
"Of course, take your time."
Stelle shook her head. Reuniting with the crew wasn't as heartwarming as she'd imagined.
That Memokeeper came with conditions—using saving her life as leverage, seeking cooperation with the Express, even wanting to probe Adrian's memories…
People say Garden of Recollection Memokeepers are terrifying—now Stelle believed it. Though Black Swan didn't know Adrian's true identity, probing an Aeon's memories? Haha… better off with an Emanator.
Black Swan quietly stepped aside, showing no intent to eavesdrop.
"…Himeko, what do you think?"
"Her words can't be fully trusted—plenty of deliberate leading. But I worry about the worst case: if the dream anomaly exists and isn't natural, but orchestrated…"
"Then it's likely tied to the [Clockmaker]'s invitation. Setting aside extremes—the one pushing the anomaly opposes the Family. Two main possibilities."
Welt analyzed and guessed further: "Someone wants to introduce external forces to shake the Family's control over Penacony; or the Family, for self-preservation, was forced to seek outside help."
"That means the sender of the Nameless hidden message and the anomaly's mastermind are likely the same side… or even the same person."
After hearing them out, March 7th was confused.
"But… that doesn't prove anything. Technique-wise, Fools or Riddlers could do it. The Corporation decoded theirs too. Though I trust Pontiff Blake's character, the Church isn't impossible."
Stelle nodded beside her. The Eternity Church did it too.
"Little March, relax—it's just one possibility."
"But if the hidden message wasn't a prank but deliberately inviting [Trailblaze], we have even less reason to sit by."
"Then my findings—unfortunately, bad news." Welt pulled out his phone.
"Reliable sources report sightings in Penacony of a tall man in silver armor. I asked the Bloodhounds and interviewed guests claiming to see this intruder."
"Then received this." Welt played a video.
Chibi Silver Wolf.jpg
"Ahem, can you hear me? Astral Express, long time no see—having fun in Penacony?"
"That's… the hacker girl!"
Silver Wolf's pre-recorded "spoiler" played.
"Serious talk. I know you're investigating Penacony's anomalies—we're thrilled to see it. The deeper you dig, the closer you get to the dream's truth."
"The Family's hiding something, right? We've got intel too."
"Now, I'll generously share. Shame… your nice vacation's ending."
"Input this code into your dream pool—that dreaming device. Go check the hidden map! Coordinates packaged—copy-paste ready."
"Wow, she's thoughtful."
March 7th was about to praise the Stellaron Hunters' professionalism when Silver Wolf continued.
"And—you've probably heard about Sam. Look forward to it!"
"That guy's straightforward—loves fair fights. You'll [get along] great. Hope his enthusiasm doesn't crush you!"
"Oh, he asked me to relay: In dreams unreachable, the play begins soon—good luck. All factions are moving."
"Nameless, don't fall too far behind!"
Beep beep!
As Silver Wolf's message ended, just as the crew prepared to discuss, Welt's phone pinged again.
"More?"
March 7th opened the new image link—and saw a familiar item.
"Milk tea?"
"Ahem… quick addendum: See this milk tea? Want Adrian? Come to this hidden map."
"No way—Teacher Adrian got kidnapped?!"