『 "Furthermore, in Penacony's major scenic areas and amusement facilities, we have also bolstered the performance staff from the Iris Family, hoping to make every guest feel right at home," Sunday introduced.
The image on the screen behind him shifted from Misha to a silver-haired girl smiling joyfully, with her name, Hotaru, displayed below. 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: She's so pretty.
〘Rin〙: She's so pretty.
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: She's so pretty, but not as pretty as my Mei.
〘Hotaru〙: Thank you for the compliments.
....
『 After finishing the introduction of the entertainment projects, Sunday began introducing Penacony's security.
"Safety is undoubtedly the top priority; danger does not exist within the sweet dreams of Penacony."
"The Family promises that the safety of every guest will be guaranteed."
As he spoke these words, the person on the screen changed to a scruffy middle-aged man, Gallagher. 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Isn't that the Riddler guy?
〘Hanabi〙: Don't focus on that. The key part is that line: 'danger does not exist within the sweet dreams of Penacony.' The death flags are practically being planted everywhere.
〘Sunday〙: I shall reiterate once more, there is no danger in Penacony. The Charmony Festival will proceed as scheduled.
〘Hanabi〙: Someone's getting defensive~
....
『 After promising that Penacony was safe, Sunday demonstrated the Family's inclusivity.
"The Family embraces all, as long as you harbor dreams and carry goodwill—even guests from the Annihilation Gang."
A photo of the Duke appeared on the screen behind Sunday.
"And even… the Stellaron Hunters."
"Penacony welcomes your arrival."
The poor Duke's photo hadn't even been up for a few seconds before it was replaced by Sam. 』
『 ....』
〘[·HI3· Welt Yang]:〙: Cool!
〘Kosma〙: ...
〘Elysia〙: Kosma says: So cool!
〘Billy Kid〙: This is even cooler than that mecha from last time!
〘·HSR· Welt Yang〙: Absolutely badass!
〘Stelle〙: Uncle Yang turns into a completely different person the moment he sees a mecha.
〘Hanabi〙: The threat the Annihilation Gang poses to the Family isn't even as much as a single Stellaron Hunter, pfffttt.
〘Silver Wolf〙: Annihilation Gang? Do you know how the Jepella Brotherhood disappeared? We took them out!
....
『 "Since the invitations were sent, we have received responses from multiple organizations across the cosmos. Today, we will also publicly reveal the guest list for the grand ceremony for the first time."
After Sunday finished speaking, a flurry of feathers drifted across the light screen for a transition. To the tone of a broadcaster, Clockie introduced the guests on the list.
First was Aventurine, representing the Interastral Peace Corporation.
"Devoting everything to the Preservation, Amber Lord, the galaxy's largest economic entity, a senior executive of the Interastral Peace Corporation's Strategic Investment Department, and a rumored member of the Stonehearts—Mr. Aventurine!"
The screen showed Aventurine resting his face on one hand, looking toward the gambling table with a confident smile, seemingly unsurprised by his ability to win this round.』
『 ....』
〘Veritas Ratio〙: Hmph, gambler.
〘Hanabi〙: He really does look like a gaudy peacock.
〘Aventurine〙: I'll take that as a compliment, Fool.
....
『 "Explore, understand, establish, connect."
"The Nameless who inherit the will of Akivili the Trailblaze, connecting the routes between stars—the Navigator of the Astral Express, Miss Himeko, will grace Penacony with all members of the Astral Express."
On the screen, Himeko brushed back her hair while looking at the stars in the sky, a yearning smile on her face, with meteors streaking across the firmament in the background.』
『 ....』
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: Auntie… I mean, Big Sister Himeko is so beautiful.
〘Himeko〙: Thank you for the compliment.
....
—✦Honkai Impact Third World✦—
At St. Freya Academy, in the Principal's office, Himeko and Theresa were watching the light screen.
Theresa looked at the Himeko on the screen and said to the Himeko in front of her, "It seems that because that world doesn't have the Honkai, you've realized your dream."
Himeko took a sip of wine and smiled. "Yeah, I'm really happy for her. But I don't regret my current choice either. Teaching Kiana, Mei, Bronya, Fu Hua, and those students fighting against the Honkai to stand on their own—that is my dream now."
"You, honestly… stop drinking wine and have some of this instead," Theresa said, handing her bitter melon juice. "Drinking is bad for your health."
"No thanks. I'm more afraid of bitter melon juice hurting my taste buds than wine hurting my body," Himeko laughed, waving her hand.
"Hmph, you don't know what's good for you," Theresa snorted, taking the bitter melon juice back and taking a sip.
Himeko looked at Theresa, who still had a child-like appearance and personality, smiled, and then turned back to the light screen.
—
『 "Trading knowledge for wisdom, calculating wealth with formulas, and surpassing individual limitations through an academic network of mutual benefit—the renowned scholar of the Intelligentsia Guild, Dr. Ratio."
On the screen, Dr. Ratio seemed to be taking a bath? And there was even a little yellow duck on the small table in front of him. 』
『 ....』
〘Aventurine〙: Is that a little yellow duck, Professor? I didn't expect you to be like this in private.
〘Veritas Ratio〙: Shut up, you damn gambler. Taking a bath helps clarify one's thoughts.
....
『 "Thought is existence, and Memory is the proof of existence. Dedicated to the preservation and sharing of countless memories, shedding her physical form to travel the sea of stars—the Memokeeper from the Garden of Recollection, Black Swan."
On the screen, Black Swan held a blue rose made of Memoria in her right hand, looking toward the camera. 』
『 ....』
〘Black Swan〙: Indeed, the Charmony Festival is filled with stars. How could I resist such precious memories?
....
『 Unfortunately, the others didn't yet know about Black Swan's history regarding her actions, so they couldn't tease her.
"The universe is heartless, but there is Elation to dispel pain. Never give up, never get discouraged, never cry, and never say goodbye."
"Miss Hanabi will represent the Masked Fools at the ceremony."
On the screen, Hanabi lit a sparkler and smiled toward the camera, with fireworks blooming in the background. 』
『 ....』
〘Hanabi〙: Finally, it's the turn of the adorable Hanabi-sama!
〘Sampo〙: Does 'adorable' really not need quotation marks?
....
『 "Walking on the Path of The Hunt, traveling from one planet to another, upholding justice, hunting down evil, and setting out on a new journey once more. They have been out of the spotlight for far too long—Miss Acheron will represent the Galaxy Rangers on stage again."
Acheron stood with her back to the screen, holding a red umbrella, surrounded by endless rain. 』
『 ....』
〘Boothill〙: Baby, there's no such person as you in the Rangers. What are you doing pretending to be a Galaxy Ranger?
〘Acheron〙: I just wanted to return a relic to the Rangers, and since your whereabouts are uncertain, I had no other choice.
〘Boothill〙: Hmph, cutie, you better be telling the truth.
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: Is this the Mei from another universe?
〘·HSR· Welt Yang〙: … (The Honkai is still chasing me)
〘Luocha〙: Mr. Welt, don't worry I am truly just a traveling merchant.
....
『 After a flurry of feathers transitioned the scene, the spotlight fell on Sunday. Sunday said composedly:
"On behalf of the Family, I sincerely invite you all to Penacony, to join the other guests in this grand banquet!"
As Sunday's words fell, the light screen went black. 』
『 ....』
〘Hanabi〙: It's over, it's already over.
〘Stelle〙: I want to see the story of Penacony right now!
{Since everyone wants to see the sequel so much, let's begin!}
{A thrilling Penacony journey accompanied by some tears will be presented before your eyes.}
〘Stelle〙: Some tears? Are you going to give me another tragedy?
〘March 7th〙: The previous two trailblazing journeys were quite smooth. I believe this one will be smooth too!
〘Hanabi〙: Tears? Yay! I want to see rivers of blood!
....