『 "Because people must always move toward the future. Even if the weaknesses of human nature make them pause, when they cannot move forward… humanity will surely attempt to save itself."
"And that man… he was NEVER a failure, either. Like everyone else in that world, he kept the possibilities of human nature engraved in his heart."
Welt looked up at the sky and sighed, "He was the sunchaser from myth, flying toward the heavens, welcoming his final victory in his fall."
"He soared high, only to reach the sun—a place no one had ever reached before. He would melt because of it, falling into the sea, and after that…"
"…countless people will cross over his body, flying into even higher skies."
"...A fitting metaphor for the Nameless' Trailblazing spirit," Acheron commented.
"Thank you, Mr. Yang. I know what you want to confirm. There are countless similar yet different worlds in the universe. In these worlds, there are also countless similar yet different people."
"I, too, have embarked on a journey, encountering 'old friends' with similar appearances in different worlds, witnessing their fates traverse paths that feel all too familiar. So, I will tell you…"
"Although not exactly the same, this story you depict… it overlaps with my past. And in that bottomless dream…"
"…I ended that man's life, all alone."
Welt let out a long sigh.
"I am not the person you know, and my homeland was not as lucky as your world."
"…I am sorry."
"It's fine. I don't mind, so long as I can alleviate your suspicions." 』
『 ....』
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: So, is Miss Acheron a bad-ending Mei?
〘Raiden Mei〙: I will not be alone; that will not be my future.
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: Of course, I'll always be with you. After all, with Mei here, I have the strength of a hundred people!
〘Pardofelis〙: If I'm not mistaken, does Miss Acheron mean she soloed Boss Kevin all by herself?
〘Kevin Kaslana〙: Based on the combat power she displayed, this is normal. I am not that strong.
〘·HI3· Welt Yang〙: …
....
『 "But I still want to know, beneath that veneer of The Hunt, Miss Acheron, what kind of power drives you to walk alone to this day?"
"…Mr. Yang, before answering that question, I would like to continue the previous topic."
Welt nodded, and Acheron looked up at the sky.
"I like your metaphor. Indeed, birds are born to fly, but in the distant past, their ancestors could only gaze up at the high heavens from the ground."
"They saw that distant light from beyond the heavens pierce the clouds and illuminate the earth. So, again and again, generation after generation, the birds spread their wings and soared, trying to touch the zenith, simply because the sun was there."
"Then, if when the last bird finally flies into the sky, it sees that the end of the light is not the sun, but a pitch-black sun…"
Acheron's eyes were filled with sorrow. After a close-up of that sorrowful gaze, the screen went black.
"…Then what exactly are we… walking toward the light for?" 』
『 ....』
〘Aponia〙: After crossing Finality, what follows is not hope, but deeper despair…
〘·HSR· Welt Yang〙: IX…
〘Belle〙: Just hearing Miss Acheron's story feels so hopeless.
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: Luckily, according to Welt-sensei, we only have Finality here.
〘·HSR· Welt Yang〙: Actually, that's not the case, but let's leave that for after you solve the Honkai.
....
『 When the screen lit up again, Black Swan was staring at a squawking owl phone.
She took a deep breath and answered. A boisterous male voice came from the phone.
"Long time no see! Are you having fun on Penacony—Acheron?"
"Although I don't know what you are, or what you're planning…"
"But my bullet will find you soon—before that, you'd better find a coffin shop in Penacony, tell the boss to save a high-quality one for yourself, you fake."
Black Swan realized instantly. It seemed Dahlia had given her whereabouts to someone else tracking Acheron. She spoke slowly: "Who are you?"
"Hm? Did I dial the wrong number? Who the fudge are you?"
"I am a Memokeeper of the Garden of Recollection."
"Whoa! Nice, I like the tough ones. Are you the bodyguard of that fake? Or someone else? Forget it, doesn't matter. I'll save a bullet for you, too, keep your forehead clean and wait."
"I don't know what you're talking about—but you know Acheron, that Galaxy Ranger, right? I have something to ask you."
"Haha, want me to help you write a will? Sure, go ahead."
"It's not a will—I just want to ask you, how exactly did she become a Galaxy Ranger?"
The voice on the phone was confused for a moment, then let out a cold laugh after realizing.
"She's clearly not a Pathstrider of The Hunt. But you are, aren't you? Tell me, what's Acheron's deal?"
"…Hahahaha, sure! Didn't expect a friendly force. Fudge, looks like I hit the jackpot."
"I'll be at Penacony soon. Memokeeper, go buy a bottle of Asdana's White Oak, warm it up, and I'll have a drink with you." 』
『 ....』
〘Black Swan〙: You really know how to pick…
〘Boothill〙: Hahaha, well, since I can fleece you Memokeepers who don't know how long you've lived, I have to go big.
....
『 "That woman's past? No one knows. But if you want a simple answer, sure. You'd better find a chair to sit on. That woman named Acheron—"
"—is an Emanator who shouldn't exist."
The screen cut to Acheron holding a red umbrella in the rain. 』
『 ....』
〘Dan Heng〙: IX does not glance at anyone. Theoretically, an Emanator of Nihility cannot exist.
〘Herta〙: Indeed. People wouldn't think that someone could truly walk so deeply on the Path of Nihility; not an Emanator, yet just like one.
〘March 7th〙: Then how strong must Miss Acheron be?
〘Stelle〙: Hmm, you and her are 3-7.
〘March 7th〙: Eh? Me?
〘Stelle〙: Acheron gets three minutes; you die seven times over.
〘March 7th〙: …I feel like that was an underestimate…
....
『 Just as everyone was chatting, the scene shifted again to Aventurine and Dr. Ratio walking out of the Dewlight Pavilion.
Dr. Ratio looked at Aventurine, who was clutching his head in agony, and said, "You look terrible. Or is this also part of your acting?"
"I didn't think you'd have the nerve to see me." Aventurine let go of his head and looked at Dr. Ratio.
Dr. Ratio snorted, "Hmph, I thought this was the result you wanted. After all, I did exactly as you said—faithfully fulfilled my duty."
"If you can't hold on, remember to notify me first." 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: Woohoo, my intuition was right! Aventurine is playing 4D chess!
〘March 7th〙: Is it possible he's about to use you?
〘Stelle〙: Don't worry about that, tell me if my intuition is accurate or not!
〘Dan Heng〙: Sigh…
....