Chapter 42: Who was it that killed...
『 "Once you're back in the real world, remember to tell everyone —About the Stellaron Hunter who was behind your ultimate departure!"
As Sam's knight-kick landed, Acheron's figure flickered like a glitch, appearing instantly behind Sam and striking him with her scabbard.
After absorbing two blows from Acheron's sheath, Sam erupted once more in searing flames. The fire propelled him toward Stelle, his hand outstretched as if to seize her.
Watching Sam hurtle toward her, Stelle stood unflinching, raising her baseball bat in preparation for the clash. Yet, just as Sam was about to grasp her, Acheron materialized before her like a phantom, intercepting the grab.
A fierce exchange ensued between Sam and Acheron. Just as Stelle prepared to intervene, Black Swan intercepted her, drawing a glowing tarot card from thin air.
"Leave the stage to them, my dear."
With those words, Black Swan cast the card. As it sliced through the air, Stelle's vision blurred, and the surrounding scenery underwent a cataclysmic shift. Before her stood the dreamscape hall she and Acheron had entered upon arriving at Penacony.
The inverted fountain signaled that she remained within the Dream. From a distance, the sound of applause drifted toward her. Stelle turned to see Aventurine seated beside a pillar, a smile playing on his lips.
"A marvelous performance, truly." He rose, glancing at Black Swan behind Stelle. "Your efforts are appreciated, Memokeeper—an exquisite 'driving the tiger to devour the wolf.'"
"Seeing a Galaxy Ranger and a Hunter gathered together sent a shiver down my spine… I hadn't expected you to successfully incite such a conflict between them."
"As agreed, I have brought this child to you. The transaction is complete." 』
『 ....』
〘March 7th〙: ????
〘Stelle〙: You betrayed me?
〘Hanabi〙: Hilarious. The backstabbing sequence that every protagonist must experience~
....
『 "You're working together?!" Stelle glared at Black Swan, her voice laced with fury.
Aventurine looked at the enraged girl and chuckled. "It seems our Nameless friend hasn't quite grasped the situation. No matter, allow me to enlighten you."
Aventurine then explained that Black Swan had not plotted against Stelle; on the contrary, she had saved her.
"From the hands of that 'Galaxy Ranger.'"
Stelle faltered at the revelation.
"Precisely. I do love that look of utter astonishment," Aventurine said, observing Stelle's stunned expression.
What he said next shook her even more: Acheron was no Galaxy Ranger, but an Emanator—an Emanator of death and finality.
"An Emanator? An Emanator of whom?" Stelle asked.
"Perhaps the Hunt… the Destruction… or even the Finality. Heh, it doesn't matter, these Paths all point to the same outcome."
"Let me offer you some intel from the IPC, friend. Are you familiar with the 'Annihilation Gang' Duke Inferno, Fetora's Ifrit?" Aventurine asked, eyeing Stelle.
"I fought him before," Stelle replied calmly. 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Huh? I fought the Duke? For real?
〘Herta〙: Oh, likely that Curio of mine.
....
『 "Impressive. As expected of you! Then, to make a long story short…"
Aventurine recounted the Duke's exploits, his receipt of the invitation, his proclamation to burn Penacony into a sea of fire, and finally, his failure to appear.
"Do you know why?"
Stelle shook her head, awaiting his explanation.
"—Because Ifrit is dead." 』
『 ....』
〘Hanabi〙: How many times has the Duke been whipped after death now?
〘Stelle〙: Who knows? I just find it amusing.
....
『 "They were annihilated en route to the appointment. The culprit dispatched Ifrit with godlike precision and seized the invitation meant for the Annihilation Gang. The Ever-Flame Mansion has since crumbled, scattering like beasts in the wind—"
"And following that, a mysterious Galaxy Ranger arrived at Penacony, checking into the hotel with nothing but a music box… Need I continue, friend?"
"Other possibilities cannot be excluded," Stelle countered, shaking her head.
"Friend, Galaxy Rangers are elusive, and they rarely associate with one another. This disguise is simply too convenient. As long as she refuses to confess, there is no dead man's testimony to be found. The IPC has means of investigation, but it requires time."
"So, friend, the choice is yours… You could turn around right now, walk away without looking back, and forever abandon your chance to approach the truth."
"Conversely, you could accept my invitation and learn a fact—a fact capable of upending Penacony entirely."
Aventurine extended an invitation to investigate the truth together.
"I need your help, so I shall wait for you—but not for long. Once you are prepared… follow me."
"As for whether you wish to cooperate with me, deciding after you have seen the truth… will not be too late."
Aventurine stepped aside to wait. Stelle decided to converse with Black Swan first, and after doing so, she resolved to accept Aventurine's invitation. Black Swan stated she would accompany Stelle in the form of a mnemonic construct, ready for whenever she might be needed. 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Such an unpleasant feeling, constantly being led by the nose.
〘Aventurine〙: Haha, friend, that is merely a basic skill. Rest assured, I would never treat the Astral Express crew in such a manner.
....
『 Aventurine nodded as Stelle approached. "Excellent. I knew you would come." Seeing that Stelle was alone, he added, "Right, that Memokeeper… never mind, I shall not pry."
"After all, I did say you could consult with your companions, or even turn around and utilize me—I welcome it! It only serves to demonstrate your value."
Aventurine then began to lead the way. Bored, he chatted about the events that had transpired in this familiar corridor. He seemed to have said something then, though his memory was hazy. Amidst the sound of his voice, the two arrived at their destination: a single door.
"We have arrived. It lies behind this door. Hold your breath, and prepare to witness it—"
Stelle slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside, followed by the sound of Aventurine's sudden realization.
"Oh, I remember now… friend! After that, we played a delightful game."
"Look, this moment, right here, right now… is it not just like that moment back then?"
"I recall it perfectly. At that time, this is what I said to you—"
Aventurine strode past Stelle, dispersing the surrounding memory bubbles as he spoke.
"Look, friend."
"The game has already begun."
"Make a deal with me. You cannot refuse."
As he dispersed the final memory bubbles, Aventurine stepped aside. Stelle looked past him, and her eyes widened at the scene revealed.
Robin lay within the Dreamflux Pool, her eyes closed, a distinct, violet wound marring her chest.
"There is no reason…"
"—And no room for doubt."
As Aventurine's words faded, Robin's form dissolved into shimmering memory bubbles. 』
『 ....』
〘Sunday〙: This is impossible! Who is it! I WILL DRAG YOU OUT FROM THE SHADOWS!!!
〘Hanabi〙: My, my, my,~ it seems the little chicken wing-boy is truly desperate this time~
〘Stelle〙: But considering Hotaru is still alive, surely Miss Robin isn't truly dead, right?
〘Sunday〙: That matters not! Whoever harmed Robin, I will hunt you down!
〘Lynx〙: Is this a sister-complex…?
〘Stelle〙: If Lynx were in such a situation, I would surely go mad as well.
〘Ye Shiyuan〙: Agreed.
〘Gepard〙: Agreed.
....