『 "Newsflash from the Interastral Peace Broadcast: The IPC Marketing Development Department's spokesperson confirms that a small-scale rebellion has broken out in the unclaimed region of Sigonia. The situation is now under control—"
"The insurgents are from a local clan known as Katica, which has a long history of disdain towards the IPC. This has caused a serious negative impact on the work of the IPC's Marketing Development Department...—"
"The clan launched a massive attack on the Avgin, who were under the protection of the IPC, resulting in 6,728 deaths and 3,452 missing. The casualties are currently under the care of the Frontline Trauma Team—"
"The spokesperson expresses his deepest condolences for this devastating humanitarian disaster, at the same time delivering an important message on this matter to all interplanetary citizens—"
"Finally, he proclaims: 'The hammer of Preservation will fall for all beings, regardless of life or death, regardless of race, regardless of ideology, to uphold the basic rights we inherently possess.'" 』
『 ....』
〘Boothill〙: Ha, do you need me to say it again, darlin'? But this dirty trick must have been your idea! Oswaldo Schneider! Just you wait, sooner or later, I'm gonna shoot you to death!
〘Bronya Rand〙: Inciting rebellion, letting the Katica run wild, and finally labeling it as 'executing justice' to wipe out the Katica. During this, the clan that was supposed to be protected by you became pathetic sacrificial lambs. Is this the IPC's Preservation? …What on earth are you preserving?
....
『 The scene shifts, and Aventurine wakes up from an illusory dream. He looks ahead blankly. There should have been a small figure there, but at this moment, it is empty. He unconsciously calls out softly: "Kakavasha?"
He turns his head to look behind him. It is still empty, and there are only rumbles of thunder echoing in his ears. He retracts his gaze, looks at the place where Kakavasha disappeared, sighs softly, then reveals a smile of relief, lowers his head, and says softly: "Goodbye."
It is as if he is bidding farewell to the person who shouldn't exist, and also bidding farewell to his own past and future.
Then, he takes a deep breath, straightens his body, and walks toward the curtain ahead with firm steps, heading toward the stage that has long been prepared.
"Alright—the actors are in place, it's time for the show to begin."
Immediately after, he pauses slightly, his tone softening, "This performance is dedicated to you. I hope it leaves you with unforgettable memories…"
"Kakavasha." 』
『 ....』
〘Stelle〙: He is ready.
〘March 7th〙: Yeah, hope he wins the bet this time too.
〘Aventurine〙: I will. As I said, I've never lost.
....
『 After Aventurine's words fall, the screen goes black again, and Sunday's voice comes through.
"By the way, before you leave, I have a rather personal question."
"Do you… Really want to destroy this world with your own hands?"
Aventurine now gives the answer that was in his heart at that time.
"Let's assume — just assuming, now — that every time I roll the dice, there is a possibility of achieving this particular outcome..."
"Then, I would be quite happy to make that wager." 』
『 ....』
{Aventurine defeated the Harmony, came to terms with himself, and began to set up his own stage, while his special guest, Miss Stellaron, met Acheron once again.}
〘Stelle〙: So, you don't want Acheron to slash you, do you?
〘March 7th〙: Or detonate the Stellaron inside you to make a big bang!
〘Hanabi〙: Then why did he reject my button~
〘Silver Wolf〙: Because your credibility score as a Joyseeker is too low~
〘Kiana Kaslana〙: That makes a lot of sense.
....
『 In the Golden Hour, after being let go by Sunday, Welt and Acheron meet up with Himeko.
Himeko looks at Acheron beside Welt and greets her with a smile.
"This must be Miss Acheron, right? Hello, I'm Himeko, the Navigator of the Astral Express."
March also smiles at Acheron and greets her, "Hello, my name is March 7th! No need to introduce her, you definitely know her."
"You can call me Clockie," Stelle says to Acheron seriously.
March is choked up by Stelle's words and looks at Stelle beside her, speechless.
Acheron nods, "Hello. You all don't seem surprised by my appearance."
"Since Welt decided to walk with you, it means he trusts you, and we likewise trust his judgment," Himeko smiles gently, saying words that hurt the two blondes. 』
『 ....』
〘Luocha〙: You know what I want to say.
〘·HSR· Void Archives〙: I understand you.
....
『 "Your relationship is truly enviable."
"Miss Acheron is not a dangerous element, nor does she harbor hostility toward the Astral Express. Aventurine's previous accusation was just a one-sided story." Welt speaks slowly, "Therefore, before we continue our cooperation, he has an obligation to give a reasonable explanation."
"Do you want to… create a situation where all three parties are present?" Himeko asks.
"There must be a deeper logic behind Aventurine's actions," Welt nods, "I suspect he was aware of Penacony's secrets from the very beginning and has been constantly planning to uncover them."
"In that case, the Astral Express's position in his plan is crucial. In the worst-case scenario… he might use us to do something out of line."
"Assuming things really develop to that point, having one more ally is one more layer of insurance. Penacony has many factions, and the situation is far more complex than Belobog and the Xianzhou."
"But we must give the deceased an explanation," Stelle says firmly.
March 7th nods in agreement, "Yeah, you're right. No matter what, we can't ignore the safety of Penacony."
"To unravel the mystery of the Watchmaker, we will inevitably need the information in the IPC's hands. Even if the road ahead is full of dangers… confronting difficulties head-on is what Trailblaze is about, right?" Himeko looks at Welt and smiles.
Welt nods after hearing this, "It seems there are no objections."
"Then… Miss Acheron?"
"Of course, I will also tag along."
"Then let's set off! But… where should we go to find him?" March 7th is full of momentum at first, then she scratches her head awkwardly.
"Don't worry. If someone really set up a stage… he will definitely find a way to invite us in."
After Himeko's words fall, Aventurine's voice reaches everyone's ears through the broadcast.
"Ladies and gentlemen—"
"The most amazing, grandest show in the history of Penacony is about to begin—"
"The Interastral Peace Corporation cordially invites you all to the scene—Clock Studios Theme Park!"
Hearing this, Himeko smiles, "See."
"If the actors and the audience can't make it to the venue, wouldn't all of Aventurine's preparations go to waste?"
"Let's go, everyone—it's time for us to carry out the path of Trailblaze," Welt says solemnly. 』
『 ....』
〘Frederica Nikola Tesla〙: Not bad, Joachim. That's what the Sovereign of Anti-Entropy should look like.
〘·HI3· Welt Yang〙: That's just the me in the bubble universe, don't project it onto the proper world.
〘Frederica Nikola Tesla〙: Too late, just take it as punishment for staying in the Sea of Quanta for so long without a word. You'll just have to bear it for me!
....