"Right." As Su Chen was leaving the main gate, he turned to look at Himeko. "Where's Firefly?"
"Elysia said she was taking her to play something called QQ Space."
Su Chen: "???"
Why did that make his heart race with unease?
…
Not long after, the Interactive City finally opened, setting a record for peak visitor traffic that day.
At that moment, Su Chen appeared on the screens throughout the Interactive City.
"Boo~~~"
"Hiss~~~~"
The entire Interactive City was filled with jeers.
Su Chen shook his head helplessly. "Everyone, I know you're anxious, but please, don't be too hasty. I'd like to invite you all to play a detective game with me."
The next moment, shouts erupted from the crowd.
"Forget all this fluff! Just tell us if Firefly will win the revival round!"
"Yeah, yeah, what about Robin's revival round?"
"Yeah, yeah, what about Tingyun's revival round?"
"Yeah, yeah, what about Cocolia's revival round?"
"…"
"Calm down, everyone," Su Chen said, clearing his throat twice. "Actually, all the answers are hidden in a video—Masquerade Duet. I hope you'll enjoy it. After watching, I'm sure you'll find a satisfying answer."
Before the crowd could start complaining, every screen in the Interactive City began playing the exclusive film.
—
The scene shifted to Penacony, set at the time node when contact was made with Firefly.
Stelle received a message from Dr. Edward.
An elegant lady, "Black Swan," had donated a dream bubble. After Dr. Edward's mental spectrum analysis, he believed Stelle would definitely be interested.
Stelle shrugged. "He sure knows how to read people."
…
Soon after, Stelle arrived before Dr. Edward. "Long time no see, Big-Eyes."
"Long time no see, Trailblazing Beauty."
Stelle: "…"
Dr. Edward then mentioned that it might be a bit stimulating and could cause physical discomfort, which only made Stelle more excited.
She directly touched the dream bubble.
And!
Regarding this dream, Black Swan specifically cautioned: "This memory is somewhat special in nature. For the sake of other guests' dream experiences, please do not reveal its ending to anyone."
At this moment, the plot truly began.
It opened with a rather explosive line.
Black Swan propped her chin with one hand. "In my opinion, this is undoubtedly a 'murder.'"
A member of the Bloodhound Family took two steps back. "Murder… that word is too foreign to us. Under the Family's protection, no casualties could possibly occur in Penacony.
In a dream, even if someone is struck a thousand times with a hammer, at most, they'd just wake up in the real-world hotel."
Sampo said teasingly, "You can't put it like that. Even if the outcome doesn't result in casualties, the intent to commit a crime… isn't that obvious enough? You specifically came to seal off the scene because this case is so serious, right?"
The Bloodhound Family member's attitude suddenly softened.
"You're right. Even if no one is truly harmed, walking down the street and getting smashed by a hammer… that's definitely not something that should happen in Penacony.
Since you two were sent by the Oak Family, the scene is yours to investigate. I'll stand by."
Sampo noticed the drastic change in the Family member's demeanor. Since it wasn't his doing, it had to be the woman beside him. "Good sister, what kind of trick did you pull to make her instantly believe we're 'investigators'…?"
Black Swan pulled out a card. "Just a little hint on the 'memory' level. If something exists in everyone's memory… then it becomes 'fact.'"
The next moment, she revealed an elegant smile. "Rather than explaining—would you like to experience it yourself?"
Sampo shook his head with a smile.
Black Swan continued, "Then let's talk about your 'companion.'"
At that moment, a mask suddenly appeared in the air, accompanied by a voice like a clip.
"'Memor of the Garden of Recollection, I've been watching you for a long time.'
'When I checked into the hotel, you were peeking at me. After entering the dream, wherever I went, you followed: in the shop windows of the commercial street, under the water of Aideen Park, even in the reflection of a wine glass, you're everywhere!'
'—Darling, are you secretly in love with me? Well, since you're so interested in me, let's play a game.'
'I left a riddle for you near the Oti Shopping Mall. Solve it, and prove you're capable of entertaining me. If you can do it… we might just have a little chat.'
'Don't keep me waiting too long, darling. Before Penacony is turned upside down, try to find me~ Catch me~ Stop me~'"
—
At this moment, the audience furrowed their brows.
"What is this?"
"Isn't that Sparkle's mask?"
"So Sparkle's one of them too?"
"No wonder her voice sounds so clipped!"
"By the way, brothers, after watching, let's figure out where Sparkle is!"
"Got it!!!"
—
Seeing the message from the mask, Black Swan gave a helpless smile. "In fact, there's more than one Memor visiting Penacony. She mistook me for someone else. But no matter…
The address mentioned in the mask is right here. I just didn't expect… the 'game' Miss Sparkle spoke of would be a 'massacre' on the streets of Penacony.
Receiving such a direct provocation has somewhat ignited my competitive spirit."
A bead of sweat slid down Sampo's forehead. "Sis, give me a break. I really don't know anything about what she said—I swear, you've already checked my brain.
I'm just a friend delivering a message—who knew this wasn't a letter but a declaration of war! They say you don't kill the messenger in a war, so let me go. You guys are playing too big, I can't keep up…"
Black Swan carefully sized up Sampo. "You look very scared. Don't worry, since this has nothing to do with you, I won't make things difficult. Just keep me company for a bit."
Sampo sighed. "Ugh, looks like I can't escape being the 'detective's assistant'… Fine, fine, what a mess!"
Black Swan spoke with the Bloodhound Family member, gathering information about the case.
Sparkle had left many items at the scene, using them to construct a bizarre stage play. It seemed the "murder" was merely bait to attract an audience, while the "riddle" was the real challenge she left for Black Swan.
Black Swan nodded and arrived at the "crime scene."
At that moment, one or two monsters introduced themselves as a constable and a deputy.
Constable: "Lady Black Swan, we've finally been waiting for you! I'm the constable here, and this is my deputy assisting with the case."
The deputy glanced at Sampo. "Yo, Uncle Shaky-Legs, how'd you switch sides?"
Sampo's expression froze.
"They really spoke! Miss Black Swan, they're definitely coming for you!"