Episode 207: A grand plan for the resurrection of the Star God?
『 This remark made Boothill stare at Dan Heng for a good while.
"Although I don't know what you've been through, a person has to take responsibility for their own life. I agree with that completely; no one can do it for you."
"Precisely because of that, we Galaxy Rangers must personally drag out that imposter and find out her objective."
"And just in case, if that Memokeeper doesn't show up, I have a backup plan."
"Mhm, this is the last one, I promise."
"You really have quite a few backup plans," Dan Heng quipped.
Subsequently, Boothill stopped beating around the bush and directly threw out his final contingency.
"Speaking of which, I've never liked beating around the bush. If we can go back to my old trade, things would be much simpler."
"Hey, by the way."
"When you were wandering around the hotel earlier, did you notice any guests—or groups of guests—who looked like they came from a considerable background?"
Dan Heng understood what he meant, but still confirmed with Boothill:
"What exactly do you want to do?"
Boothill lowered his voice, revealing the plan:
"Easy. We quietly kidnap a few hostages, and the rest will just follow the current."
"First, we can use them to make a trade with The Family."
"Second, we impersonate them and enter the Dreamscape unimpeded." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "This backup plan… isn't that just kidnapping?" ]
[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "What the fudge, I just want to borrow their identities for a bit, I'm not gonna do anything to them, right?" ]
[ Kiana (Honkai: Impact Third): "It seems… not wrong, actually~!" ]
[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "…" ]
[ .....]
『 "No need." Upon hearing this, Dan Heng rejected it decisively: "We are returning to the Express right now."
"What's wrong? Did you chicken out, brother?" Boothill looked at Dan Heng with a wicked grin: "It's time to flash our pieces and pull off a big one!"
Just as he finished speaking, the bartender nearby walked up quickly and asked:
"Are you two leaving?"
"Then, regarding the Asdana White Oak whiskey you just ordered, should I cancel it?"
"What? Asdana White Oak? Didn't you say…" Boothill and Dan Heng turned to the bartender with blank expressions.
He had clearly just said they didn't have this wine.
So why, when they hadn't done anything,
And only a short moment had passed,
Did this bartender suddenly say they had ordered this wine? 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "??" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Didn't he say they didn't have this stuff just now?" ]
[ Black Swan (Honkai: Star Rail): "It seems this is me delivering the wine." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "You? When did you arrive?" ]
[ Black Swan (Honkai: Star Rail): "I am a Memokeeper, altering memories and such is quite normal, isn't it?" ]
[ Nahida (Genshin Impact): "Directly replacing someone's memories like that? Is it another type of Canned Knowledge?" ]
[ .....]
『 Facing their confusion, the bartender grinned, letting out a hearty laugh.
"Haha, it looks like you two are really a bit tipsy."
"Just a blink of an eye ago, you personally asked me for a bottle of Asdana White Oak right here."
These words were like a key, instantly unlocking Dan Heng's memory.
"Oh, I think it's probably that friend of yours with the amazing memory who has come knocking."
Boothill was also sharp-witted and reacted extremely fast. He scratched his head awkwardly, his laughter carrying a hint of self-mockery.
"Hahaha, right, right, right, look at my memory. Seriously, I've had too many body modifications; the side effects are so obvious, forgetting things is like a game to me."
After saying that, he actually picked up the bottle of wine from the counter and scrutinized it with feigned seriousness.
"Come, come, come, let me take a look. This guy's favorite, that's right, it is Asdana White Oak. There's even a line of small text on it."
⟦ "I am waiting for you on the Astral Express." ⟧ 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Is this going back to the Express?" ]
[ Dan Heng (Honkai: Star Rail): "Going around in circles, only to return to the Express in the end." ]
[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "What the fudge, waste of time." ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "Not only modified memories, but this object appeared directly too?" ]
[ Najenda (Akame Ga Kill): "What a terrifying ability." ]
[ Seiya Ryuuguuin (Cautious Hero): "…" ]
[ .....]
『 "This is the message he left for you, no mistake about it." Dan Heng stared at the line of text, speaking thoughtfully: "She probably knows that we are acting together and also understands that this hotel isn't secure, so she chose a hidden location to meet."
Boothill held the wine bottle and sighed helplessly.
"Round and round we go, still gotta go back to the Astral Express."
"Then what are we dawdling for? Let's get moving."
The screen went black. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "What the fudge, I finally caught you." ]
[ .....]
『 As the light gradually increased, the scene showed that Dan Heng and Boothill had returned to the Astral Express.
Just as they stepped into the carriage, the Conductor, Pam, trotted over in a hurry, looking anxious.
"You guys are finally back!"
"Just now, two guests boarded the train, saying they were looking for Mr. Boothill."
"I've already asked them to wait in the Parlor Car."
Hearing this, Boothill was full of interest, planning to go meet that 'Memokeeper.'
However, Dan Heng was confused about the number of people boarding.
"Wait, you said two people?"
Before his voice fell, a figure seemed to emerge abruptly from the air, appearing right before their eyes.
Seeing that person, Pam quickly introduced:
"She's one of them."
"Look, we welcome all passengers on the Astral Express, but sneaking in like that... You have no regard for etiquette!"
"You guys are making yourselves a little too at home, aren't you?"
"Oh my, I am truly sorry, Conductor." The one called 'Memokeeper,' Black Swan, apologized elegantly with myriad graces, "This was my oversight. I assumed the Express was already accustomed to the Garden of Recollection."
Her gaze inadvertently swept over a broken mirror in the corner of the carriage—of course, the secret of this broken mirror was known only to her. 』
『 .....』
〜Honkai: Star Rail World〜
Astral Express, Parlor Car—
The group from the Express crew also looked in the direction of the mirror shown on the screen.
But in their eyes, it was just an ordinary carriage corner.
Only in Stelle's eyes was it the image of a broken mirror.
.....
『 The scene shifted, and Black Swan continued her explanation, her tone adding a few degrees of depth:
"Things in Penacony are pretty complicated at the moment, and the only ones I can truly trust are you, Nameless."
Dan Heng's gaze was piercing, locking onto Black Swan as he asked: "You are that legendary Memokeeper?"
Black Swan nodded slightly, her response carrying a trace of mystery: "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dan Heng. I have indeed been spiritually acquainted with you for a long time within the memories of others."
Her line of sight immediately turned to Boothill.
"As for Mr. Boothill, we can consider this our formal acquaintance."
She chuckled lightly, her words carrying a bit of teasing: "I hope that bottle of Asdana White Oak suited your taste. You truly have a unique eye, picking out such rare items."
Boothill was not polite at all, cutting straight to the chase: "You made me look hard for you, Memokeeper. Let's be open, share everything you know."
Black Swan was unhurried, her posture elegant: "That is my intention, but before that, please allow me to introduce myself—I am Black Swan, a Memokeeper of the Garden of Recollection."
Mentioning 'Ms. Acheron,' her words were meaningful: "As for her story…"
"Perhaps it would be more appropriate for her to tell it herself."
After she finished speaking, Acheron's cold and beautiful figure appeared silently behind everyone, speaking faintly: "You two, I am Acheron."
Boothill was momentarily stunned: "What! Damn it, you're from the Garden of Recollection? You actually sold me out!" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Fudge, when did she appear behind us?!" ]
[ .....]
『 Acheron took a step forward, her expression indifferent, explaining, "My apologies, this is my personal choice. Due to certain reasons, I was exiled by Penacony…"
"Fortunately, with the company and cover of this Memokeeper, I was able to quietly break free from The Family's shackles."
Regarding Acheron's explanation, the corner of Black Swan's mouth hooked into a faint smile, gently correcting:
"Actually, rather than company, saying it was tracking would be more accurate. Moreover, the whole process wasn't exactly quiet."
"But since you insist, have it your way."
Her eyes twinkled with tolerance and slyness.
Just as Black Swan finished speaking, Acheron immediately elaborated on the reason for her appearance on the Express.
"I asked her to guide me to a place beyond The Family's reach and to contact a few trustworthy individuals, namely all of you."
"Trustworthy?" Hearing this, Boothill laughed softly.
"Ha... hahahahaha! Son of a nice lady! You think I'm dumb or something?"
"How about this? I'll put a few bullet holes in your head and see what secrets spill out, then we can talk about 'trust'..." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Not even two sentences in and he pulls a gun." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "So violent." ]
[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "What the fudge, in this situation, using this method is the fastest, isn't it?" ]
[ Dan Heng (Honkai: Star Rail): "…" ]
[ .....]
『 Acheron was not annoyed; instead, she responded leisurely with her hands on her hips:
"It shouldn't come to that. What you want to know, I will tell you sooner or later, but not at this moment."
"Furthermore, if my identity hadn't been exposed, perhaps there would have been more ample time. But given the current situation, this is the only resort."
"Only resort? What do you mean?" Boothill stared at Acheron, blinking his confused eyes.
The other party's words clearly filled Boothill with doubts.
Acheron didn't explain much, only continuing faintly:
"Only in this way can I ensure everyone's safety remains intact."
"Astral Express, please initiate a warp immediately and leave the Asdana system."
Dan Heng and the others reacted with silence.
Conductor Pam looked at Acheron with a face full of confusion.
"Then what does this passenger mean…?"
Before Acheron could speak, Black Swan nimbly took over the conversation:
"In my opinion, she bears no malice, and everything she said is fact."
Acheron's gaze then turned to Dan Heng, or to be precise, that man with the cold expression.
"Mr. Dan Heng, I once traveled briefly with your companions, and I know where they are now."
"Please believe that the Nameless are currently safe and sound, but they also similarly need our help here."
"And Mr. Boothill, perhaps you have already guessed it, I was waiting here for your arrival."
"Because the Galaxy Rangers' whereabouts are erratic and interactions between them are rare, please forgive me for only being able to contact you through this method."
"Only in this way could I find a true Galaxy Ranger, and only thus can I fulfill a promise from long ago."
"To return his relic to its rightful owner." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Jing Yuan (Honkai: Star Rail): "A relic… of a Galaxy Ranger?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Relic? What kind of thing would it be?" ]
[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "Holy Wubbaboos, a relic left by another Galaxy Ranger." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "…So that's how it is. Because it's too hard to find Galaxy Rangers, she directly impersonated one to make them come out directly?" ]
[ Acheron (Honkai: Star Rail): "Yes." ]
[ Boothill (Honkai: Star Rail): "What the fudge, that really is a good method." ]
[ .....]
『 Subsequently, everyone's topic shifted elsewhere, and the atmosphere became active again.
Black Swan suddenly turned her head to Dan Heng, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Mr. Dan Heng, have you heard of a planet named Byari Skamandros?"
"It's one of the paradises under the influence of the Harmony, a sought-after wonderland for the inhabitants of the Dardanu Major and Minor systems."
"Half an Amber Era ago, The Family held an unprecedented festival there, and after that... everyone on the planet became part of The Family."
"So, you think the same thing will happen here in Penacony?" Dan Heng said.
Black Swan nodded gently with an undeniable elegance.
"Yes, or how else can we explain it? The Family deliberately used the Watchmaker's invitation to keep all the Pathstriders here but banished the Emanator of the Nihility..."
At this time, Acheron also took the opportunity to share her uniqueness.
"Because of the Nihility, the powers of other Paths find it difficult to influence me. On the contrary, I can inadvertently interfere with them."
"This is perhaps the variable they are trying their utmost to avoid."
However, Dan Heng disapproved of this.
"Forgive me for being blunt, but I cannot agree."
"I would disagree. Byari Skamandros is not part of the credit system or connected to the silver rail."
"It's nothing more than a remote civilization sheltered by the Harmony... But Penacony is different."
"If The Family messes with Penacony, that would be like declaring war on almost half of the factions in the Cosmos."
"The Family here has no reason to do such a thing."
Then, Acheron threw out a thought-provoking point.
"No, they don't... if they truly serve the Harmony, that is."
"What do you mean?"Dan Heng appeared somewhat confused.
Acheron slowly revealed her speculation.
"The Path in Penacony is impure. The Harmony here has impurities."
Black Swan timely recounted a distant past event, capturing everyone's attention.
"Do you all remember that ancient Swarm Disaster?"
"Tayzzyronth, the Star God of Propagation, brought endless catastrophe to this universe, and it eventually evolved into a fierce battle among all Star Gods amidst chaos and confusion…"
"A total of two Paths lost their Star Gods in this great war."
"The Propagation and the Order."
"And coincidentally, the turning points of these two Paths were both related to a certain Star God."
"Xipe of the Harmony," Acheron spoke that name: "Legend has it that THEY participated in the crusade against the Imperator Insectorum and devoured Ena the Order for unknown reasons." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Ab… Absorbed? Does that mean directly eating the other party?" ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "The absorption of Paths isn't something we mortals can understand." ]
[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "Ena the Order and Xipe the Harmony, huh." ]
[ Firefly (Honkai: Star Rail): "The Swarm Disaster...." ]
[ .....]
『 "Holy forkeroni... So, you're saying that the two leaderless Paths are working behind the scenes?" Boothill exclaimed beautifully.
But Dan Heng noticed another suspicious point.
"But I don't see any descendants of the Propagation in Penacony. Could it be that the remnants of Beyond the Sky Choir are hiding within The Family, trying to resurrect a fallen Star God?"
"Not necessarily, it's hard to say." Acheron shook her head, then nodded immediately after: "But there is one thing we can be sure of: they're definitely planning something for the Charmony Festival."
"Holy Wubbaboos, it's so complicated here?" Boothill sighed, then threw a question at Acheron:
"Then you're urging us to slip out of the Asdana system earlier. Does that mean you guys have no way to stop all this from happening?"
"The Charmony Festival is about to start. There is something I must verify, and preparing for a warp jump is the most direct method." Acheron revealed her plan.
At this moment, Dan Heng stepped forward, saying firmly:
"No, precisely because time waits for no one, we must act."
"I have another plan. I will immediately take other measures to respond." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Other measures? What measures?" ]
[ .....]