Among the experts of the Strategic Investment Department—
There was one name that stood out.
Jade.
To the outside world, she was also known as—
Madame Jade.
Rumor had it—
She possessed a treasure known as the Jade Abacus.
Anyone could trade with her.
As long as they could offer something of equal value—
They could obtain whatever they desired.
Wealth.
Emotion.
Even lifespan.
To Jade—
Wealth was merely a tool.
A means to grant happiness.
Give wealth to those who long for happiness—
And that wealth fulfills its purpose.
Anyone could receive her "kindness."
As long as—
They could afford the price.
And that—
Was exactly why Firefly wanted to try.
"So you didn't come here just for me?"
"But because you're interested in that 'genius'?"
"Heh, how could that be, my dear Miss Sam~"
Silver Wolf flipped her ponytail lazily, slipping her game console into her pocket.
"I'm your most loyal teammate, you know."
"Of course I came for you."
"I just got curious."
"How does this 'genius' compare to that short Herta brat?"
Firefly clicked her tongue softly.
Yeah, right.
As if someone like Silver Wolf would come just for her.
Still—
Her curiosity had already been piqued.
A genius…
If he really was one—
Then maybe…
He could cure her condition.
But if that were true—
Then Elio's script hadn't gone wrong.
After all—
Side branches appearing in a story—
Was perfectly normal.
"…I wonder where he is."
Silver Wolf's casual explanation had only made Firefly more interested.
"Oh, right—Silver Wolf."
"Do you want something to eat?"
"The Oak Cake here is pretty good. My treat?"
"Oak Cake?"
Silver Wolf raised an eyebrow.
"That looks barely edible."
"And I'm just a projection."
"No point."
"Though Kafka and I transferred 200,000 credits to your account."
"If it's not enough, I'll send more."
She shrugged.
"Didn't want to go overboard."
"If the IPC's finance systems notice they've been hacked—things might get messy."
After all—
Firefly wasn't supposed to be here.
Better to stay low.
Meanwhile — Golden Hour
Sparkle was sprawled across the table—
Rewriting her script based on Evan's proposal.
As for Evan—
He sat leisurely, sipping SoulGlad.
His phone buzzed.
The Astral Express group chat.
March 7th:Are you there yet? Are you there yet? Are you there yet?!
Evan:I'm already here. Why are you guys so late?
March 7th:Oh? Who was it that said he had "something to do" and went ahead first? Forgot already?
Stelle:Yeah yeah! But this place is amazing!
Evan:Where are you?
March 7th:No idea! It's super lively here! I'll ask around!
Stelle:No idea either… I just fell from the sky. Feels like someone's watching me…
"…Fell from the sky?"
Evan frowned and glanced toward the plaza.
A crowd had already gathered there.
He immediately looked away.
"…Don't know her. Too embarrassing."
Meanwhile—
Sparkle was typing rapidly on her own device.
Originally—
Her plan in Penacony was simple.
Enjoy the chaos.
And orchestrate Firefly's three "deaths."
The first—
Gain the "gray-haired girl's" trust—
Then have Firefly suddenly "die" to a memetic entity.
The second—
Use that death to break free from the dream's control.
The third—
A final staged sacrifice.
Everything—
Safe.
Controlled.
No real casualties.
But now—
With Evan here—
Sparkle felt it.
She could go bigger.
Much bigger.
Blow up Penacony's dream.
And more importantly—
Kill Robin.
That—
Was the most exciting part.
More thrilling than destroying the entire dreamscape.
Robin—
Penacony's superstar.
The core of the Oak Family.
Sunday's beloved sister.
Everyone knew how important she was to him.
If she died—
In the shallow dream—
The reaction would be explosive.
Even Sparkle felt a thrill just imagining it.
If Robin died—
Penacony itself—
Would erupt.
Just then—
A message popped up.
Silver Wolf:Hey, you know someone named Evan?
Sparkle:Why?
Silver Wolf:Heard he's a genius. You know Sam—I already gave you the script.
Sparkle:Want to guess who spread that rumor?
Silver Wolf:…Don't tell me it was you?
Sparkle:Hehe~ That's Elation for you! Praise Aha! Yep, it was me!
Silver Wolf:…Figures.
Sparkle:Anything else? I'm busy rewriting my script.
Silver Wolf:Yeah, about that—don't actually get Sam killed.
Sparkle:Don't you trust me? I'll take good care of your friend~
Silver Wolf:…Why do I suddenly feel uneasy? You're planning something, aren't you?
Sparkle:Shh~ secret~
Silver Wolf:We're gaming buddies! I wouldn't sell you out!
Sparkle:…
Silver Wolf stared at the screen, increasingly annoyed.
"Damn it…"
"If you won't tell me, don't tease me!"
"Sparkle, just you wait—"
"I'll beat you up when I find you!"
Firefly glanced at her, puzzled.
"…What are you laughing about?"
At the table—
Evan spoke.
"Of course it's fun."
"Only fun things make me this happy~"
Sparkle replied cheerfully.
"…Heh."
"What's with that reaction?"
"Be careful."
Evan said calmly.
"People who enjoy watching chaos…"
"Often become part of it."
"Like you."
"To me—you're already part of the show."
"…And what's wrong with that?"
Sparkle tilted her head.
"Isn't that what Elation is?"
"I am Elation~"
Mad.
Yet—
Sharp.
"Your script is easy enough to write."
She leaned forward.
"But why Robin?"
"And why do you want me to replace her…"
"To drive Sunday insane?"
"What's your reason?"
Evan leaned back, crossing his legs.
"Do you know about the deeper dream?"
"…Deeper dream?"
Sparkle blinked.
"I don't think I've heard of that."
"Yes."
Evan nodded.
"You followed me in—you should know Penacony's history."
"This entire dream is built on memoria."
"And the deeper dream…"
"Is the original Penacony."
"…The original dream, huh~"
Sparkle leaned back in her chair.
Her legs swayed lightly—
Bare, smooth, completely unconcerned with being watched.
As if—
She didn't care at all.
Elsewhere — Golden Hour Plaza
Stelle climbed up from the ground—
Dusting off her clothes.
"…Huh?"
"No injuries?"
"I fell from that high up and I'm completely fine?"
She patted herself again.
Nothing.
Not even a scratch.
"…This dream world is insane."
She looked around.
The Golden Hour stretched before her—
A dazzling metropolis.
Belobog was harsh and frozen.
The Xianzhou had a sleek, cyber aesthetic.
But here—
This was a true city of indulgence.
Lights.
Music.
Endless luxury.
A dream of excess.
"…Whoa…"
She stared in awe.
Then—
Noticed something.
"…Why is everyone staring at me?"
People around her—
Were watching.
Some even taking photos.
"…Am I really that good-looking?"
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