Amid everyone's anticipation, the episode titled "Goodbye, Penacony" finally updated on the website.
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After a week of long waiting.
The conclusion of Penacony has finally arrived.
The ending of Firefly and how The Family would clear up the mess created by Sunday and the Oak Family.
The audience watched with anticipation.
With the appearance of the classic MiHoYo logo.
The story began.
In the screen, Stelle was waken up from sleep by March 7th.
And soon after, through the conversation between March and Stelle the audience quickly learned about the progress in Penacony after Sunday's defeat.
First, the other family factions that had always remained hidden. They issued a joint statement.
"The Charmony Festival was attacked by an unidentified Stellaron and came to a halt."
Matters of Order and Ena were really not convenient to be publicized.
To quell the aftermath as much as possible, the other four families, aside from Oak, invited the Astral Express Crew onto their family's "The Radiant Feldspar," as witnesses of sincerity and important mediating efforts.
"It's a massive airship, and it's awesome! I heard it's never shown to the public. Only VIP guests of The Family get to board it and enjoy the breathtaking views of Penacony."
"The Iris Family sent us a bunch of souvenirs, fruit baskets, plus this fancy button model."
"Well, the whole city finally seems to be back on track because of the other four family's rapid response."
March 7th excitedly explained to Stelle.
After hearing this, Stelle's eyes lit up, and the two left the room together.
...
The conversation between Stelle and March conveyed a lot of information at once.
Sharp-eyed viewers were instantly thrilled. Although the story didn't continue the aftermath of Aventurine or Sunday. And the audiences' curiosity about Oswaldo, the former Nameless, remained unanswered.
But these few lines hinted at an even more interesting development. Sharp-eyed viewers had already noticed a major issue earlier in the story.
In the Oak family's conspiracy, there were no appearances of other families.
What exactly was the stance of the four major families? What did they want? This was something people cared about deeply.
...
: Are we finally going to see the attitudes and positions of the other families in the epilogue? I'm really looking forward to it!
: Someone said before that the four families were like dead people, having no sense of participation, claiming it was poor writing by MiHoYo, but I actually think their silence is what makes Penacony's politics interesting.
: Yes, besides the "main story" we see through the Astral Express Crew, Penacony itself is also developing, with the other families and various other forces acting and reacting. These interactions make the big factions of this universe feel more realistic and engaging!
: Most importantly, from the behavior of these factions, we can delve deeper into the path's philosophies they represent.
: Looks like the epilogue not only wraps up character endings but also adds depth to Penacony's plot, very nice.
: Hah, when the Nameless were fighting the Oak family to the death they didn't show up, but when it's over they invite them aboard as "witnesses." Tch.
...
Unexpectedly the audience, aside from being interested in Penacony's exciting plot also looked forward to the deeper, gray areas hidden beneath the story.
It was not hot-blooded, pure justice. But complex, full of disputes over interests and philosophies, sometimes even without a clear right or wrong, an "morally grey" debate.
After Stelle and March 7 left.
The scene shifted to a dreamland that had already regained prosperity.
In the golden hour.
Firefly and a virtual Silver Wolf stood at the railing, gazing quietly at the original colors of the scenery.
The two chatted casually talking about everyday life.
Firefly always appeared in the image of SAM.
But this time in Penacony, the face in the screen was her own, Firefly.
The audience also found out from Silver Wolf that there was another wanted poster of Firefly with her real face and asked Firefly how she felt about it.
This first experience felt very profound to Firefly.
"Indeed. In Kafka's words... that's also a 'missing part' of my life." Firefly gently looked forward, smiling slightly.
This delicate and beautiful appearance made the audience once again envision that battlefield filled with death.
And recall Firefly's past years.
Brainwashing, fighting, missions.
That was all her existence had ever meant.
They instantly understood the meaning of her words.
Before Penacony, even after joining the Stellaron Hunters, every role she played was under the name of SAM.
Only this time, Firefly appeared as herself in the script, coming to Penacony.
She represented "self."
The experiences she had were her own experiences.
That feeling, was the missing part.
In that moment of understanding the conversation between Firefly and Silver Wolf continued.
Their topics grew even more casual and warm.
"Kafka asked me to tell you: If you see anything fabulous in Penacony, get one for me
too. Just swipe my card, you know the PIN." Silver Wolf mimicked Kafka's tone.
It made the audience chuckle.
After speaking, Silver Wolf's tone returned to normal:
"She didn't specify anything, but I guess she means a dress, coat, sunglasses, or something else... You know better about fashion than I do."
"Got it, then trinkets like hair accessories or brooches." Firefly nodded and said.
"And also, Blade told you to be extra careful, he didn't say it outright, but that's basically what he meant."
Silver Wolf began relaying Blade's words again, imitating Blade's tone: "In Penacony, temptations will appear again. Hmm, Blade's way of speaking is really subtle."
The audience couldn't help but laugh again at Silver Wolf's imitation of Blade.
But this time, their smiles came from seeing something warm and beautiful, a spontaneous smile.
"Got it. He was just worried about me." Firefly understood Blade very well.
After listening to her companions' requests, Firefly also revealed a heartfelt smile.
"I won't do anything crazy. I just want to wander around and see more of the world for myself. I want to buy some Oak Cake Rolls. I've had a cake roll every day since I arrived in Penacony, from the first day to the last."
"But today, I'll buy two and give you one. And if you don't like them, I'll enjoy double the pleasure. Or I can bring one to Kafka, as she never refuses. Or maybe I'll give it to ... Blade. He'll appreciate it."
Their small talk also filled in the missing piece in the audience's minds about the Stellaron Hunters daily interactions.
...
: Oh my god, so warm… it turns out the Stellaron Hunters really are one big loving family.
: Kafka really is like The Family head, knowing Firefly has no money, she even told her to use her card!
: Even Blade would give Firefly hints like this, Brother Sword is actually very caring at heart!
: As the story progresses, Blade looks more and more like 'a Tsundere Uncle' in the Stellaron Hunters.
: Such a strange metaphor, but oddly fitting.
: I'm already imagining Blade holding an oak roll cake with that gloomy face while chewing on it.
: I really want to see the interactions between the Stellaron Hunters in person, it must be so interesting!
...
The audience was immersed in the daily life of the Stellaron Hunters.
But Firefly and Silver Wolf both knew each other's thoughts.
Elio's script clearly wrote of three deaths. And now, Firefly had only experienced two.
Buying small cakes and giving them to her own people was Firefly's way of proving that the story written in the script, the so-called fate, might not be unchangeable.
At least Elio didn't write that Firefly would buy two cakes today.
This, was the girl's cute resistance to fate and also the annotation she wrote for herself.
The warm daily life faded quickly.
After explaining Firefly's current state and the encouragement between the Stellaron Hunters.
The scene changed again.
On the The Radiant Feldspar. by the pool.
A bald old man was receiving The IPC executives.
"Welcome, Director Topaz! The Family ambassadors are still inside making preparations, but the Big Boss hasn't arrived yet. It'll be a while before the conference starts, I'm afraid." Thomas was reporting to Topaz.
The audience, who had been immersed in the warm atmosphere a second ago, suddenly perked up.
It's here, it's here! The clash of major powers!
"I thought they would choose a more formal and low-key location for the conference. I didn't expect them to go with a luxury airship ...." Topaz chuckled and shook her head.
The two talked.
Topaz and Thomas, both IPC members, were puzzled by the arrangement of the four family's.
Such a big political maneuver, if not strictly formal, it should at least be held at the Moment of Morning Dew as a secret meeting, right?
Holding it on the Radiant Jade ship, with a party's atmosphere.
It just felt odd.
But Topaz was experienced, and quickly realized this was just an appetizer.
The Family might just be using this opportunity to sound them out first.
"If I'm right, this conference is probably just a prelude. Whoever organized it wants to assess the IPC's stance beforehand."
Topaz touched her chin, her eyes flashing with shrewdness: "This influential figure either has their own ambitions and wants to reach a preliminary agreement, or they plan to put pressure on us to make us back off."
Thomas immediately flattered her.
"Ohh! Your mind is always so sharp, Director Topaz! When the Big Boss arrives, please remind her to be cautious and watch out for any traps ..."
Thomas's sycophantic attitude made many corporate worker audiences' watching chuckle knowingly.
It seems, workplace dynamics are harsh no matter what world you're in.
"Hahaha, thank you for the reminder, but I don't think that will be necessary. When she's at the table, it's the others who need to be cautious."
Topaz was very assured.
...
: Thomas's attitude, hahaha, way too familiar, I see this at work every day!
: It can only be said that no matter which timeline, corporate workers are the same.
: Old as he is, still sucking up like that, sigh sigh sigh.
: By the way, could that bigwig he mentioned be Jade?
: Tsk, Jade is finally making an appearance, judging from Topaz's tone, she seems really formidable!
: Jade from The IPC and The Family bigwig, I'm already on high alert! Can't wait to see their confrontation!
: These kinds of dialogue-heavy scenes really showcase a person's character! Hurry up and give us more!
...
The confrontation between The IPC and The Family was approaching.The audience was already impatient.
Then, after Topaz arranged work for Thomas, she immediately walked to the Feldspar Hall.
Besides the invited guests boarding the ship, there were also many guards of the Bloodhound family on the ship.
They were nervously searching for something.
Topaz, being very keen, only took a few glances to figure out what The Family members were looking for.
A button. Sparkle's button!
It seemed they had already recovered quite a few of them.
With the mindset of figuring things out, Topaz stopped one of the guards and asked about the situation.
"Ah, not exactly... Lately, there's been a prankster in the sweet dream who's been handing out strange button devices to anyone they meets."
"According to those involved, they said something like, "Just press this button, and all of Penacony will explode!"
"Luckily, no one believed him. Still, the Bloodhound Family collected these buttons just to be on the safe side."
Sparkle has arrived!
The mysterious girl, who had been present throughout Penacony and whose true purpose was unknown, finally showed her 'fangs' at this moment.
Topaz examined the button.
An idea came to her mind: a prank?
But it didn't have much to do with her mission today.
After leaving there, Topaz headed straight toward the central area.
As she neared her destination, a member of The Family received her.
As a senior IPC executive, The Family valued her highly, and the member they sent to receive her was quite exceptional.
They could always deflect Topaz's probing questions while keeping the atmosphere harmonious.
Soon, Topaz gave up on digging for information and instead asked about the origin of the Radiant Feldspar.
"The Radiant Feldspar is owned by Mr. Oti Alfalfa, head of the Alfalfa Family."
"Mr. Alfalfa invested a significant amount in building this luxurious airship an Amber Era ago, and it has been sailing across the Twelve Hours of the Dreamscape ever since."
Topaz suddenly realized: "Oh, so it's owned by Old Oti himself! No wonder this ship is so lavishly decorated."
The Family attendant smiled and nodded.
"Indeed, Mr. Alfalfa has impeccable taste. Only the most prestigious guests are invited by the Alfalfa Family to board this airship."
Such flattery made Topaz smile without replying.
Then, regarding the Radiant Feldspar's recent first docking in history, The Family attendant cited "some reverberation" as the reason, casually brushing it off.
Topaz naturally knew the truth.
She teased: "Reverberation? Such a formal way of putting it. You're really downplaying the whole thing."
"...Ahem. Following the previous reverberation in the sweet dream, the Radiant Feldspar had to suspend its voyage temporarily."
"Thankfully, the factors that disrupted the Dreamscape have been resolved. However, due to... well... certain special reasons, the Charmony Festival, originally scheduled at the Penacony Grand Theater, had to be temporarily postponed."
"And at Mr. Oti's suggestion, the Charmony Festival was moved to the Radiant Feldspar, taking this opportunity to announce the resumption of the airship's voyage."
The Family attendant ignored the teasing and continued explaining the rationale behind moving the event to the Radiant Feldspar.
Upon hearing this, Topaz's eyes showed a hint of admiration.
At the same time, the audience also sensed The Family's ambition.
...
: Oti Alfalfa, tsk, another big shot of The Family?
: What a move. Not only did he solve the urgent problem of the Charmony Festival, but he also gained massive publicity.
: Just this one tactic alone makes me look forward to this old Oti.
: From Topaz's words, this old Oti also seems to have a reputation within The IPC.
: After the Oak family fell, the one stepping up is the Alfalfa Family's Oti? That's quite an ambition, aiming to be the overlord?
: The Harmony Festival is handled by the Harmony family, right? That's practically holding the baton. If the Alfalfa Family successfully hosts the Harmony Festival, then within Penacony's families, it'll probably be Oti's Alfalfa that calls the shots.
: Is this an attempt to merge power?
: Good, good, good! Aside from thrilling adventures, give the audience a bit of political intrigue too!
: If someone is going to negotiate with this person, The IPC definitely needs someone shrewd.
: If Jade is The IPC's choice, then she must not be simple either!
...
The standoff between The Family and The IPC excited the audience.
And at this moment, Topaz suddenly received an Internal review from the Talent Motivation Department.
Just as she was troubled by their annoying persistence, a slightly hoarse yet seductive female voice sounded nearby.
"Sounds exhausting... Why not just hang up?"
Hearing this, Topaz instinctively turned her head.
A tall figure in purple, with a mysterious smile and a powerful aura, was slowly walking toward her!
Jade had arrived!