Chapter 348: Penacony Arc 『 Part Forty-three 』, The Eternal Limbo of the Penacony
「 Sam's arms snapped upward, hydraulic joints emitting a shrill whine as the sole thrusters erupted with a deafening roar. A sweeping strike, akin to a falling meteor, hurtled toward the group, carrying a violent surge of kinetic energy and searing heat.
"Get back!"
Acheron pulled Stelle aside at the critical moment. Amidst the thunderous boom of the collision, Stelle stumbled but managed to find her footing.
However, as she looked down at the point of impact beneath Sam's feet, her pupils suddenly constricted—
The floor tiles beneath him were actually beginning to melt like wax, dissolving into wisps of white Memory Zone Meme that rose and dissipated like steam.
"Once you return to reality," Sam's faceplate cracked with several glowing lines of searing heat, his mechanical voice saturated with cold, murderous intent, "remember to tell everyone—about the Stellaron Hunter who was behind your ultimate departure." 」
「 .....」
〜Marvel Cinematic Universe〜
Upon the Light Screen, the silver-white armor known as 'Sam' was engaged in a one-on-three struggle. Facing the combined assault of Acheron, Black Swan, and Stelle, he not only held his ground but seemed to be suppressing them with his ferocious firepower.
Each burst from his thrusters kicked up a wave of scorching flame across the battlefield, turning this dreamscape of Memory Zone Meme into a scorched wasteland.
"Whoa."
Stephen Strange raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
"That suit's firepower is certainly aggressive."
As he spoke, his gaze drifted seemingly at random toward Tony.
Tony's lip twitched as he swirled the ice in his champagne flute with a sharp clink.
"Yeah, it can put up a fight,"
He said, shrugging with forced nonchalance.
"But if my armor went full throttle, the spectacle would be far more grand than this."
Strange chuckled softly, his eyes still fixed on the screen.
"And how do you know Sam has even gone full throttle yet?"
"Wait, Wizard, are you implying my tech is inferior to that 'Sam' thing?"
Tony slammed his glass onto the table, the crushed ice inside rattling violently.
"Listen, I've got the HULKBUSTER, FOCUSED LASER MATRICES, MICRO-MISSILE SWARMS, and—"
He punctuated each word with increasing intensity.
"Does that tin can have anything besides some flashy fire effects?"
"Hey, Tony, don't get worked up. I'm just saying if—"
Strange stroked his chin leisurely.
"If Sam can dispatch his opponents in ten seconds with his… 'flashy fire effects,' then what's the point of all those 'superfluous' features?"
Tony's face darkened instantly.
"Superfluous?"
He repeated through gritted teeth.
"Are you saying my armor lacks the firepower?"
Strange spread his hands.
"Your words, not mine."
( Translator-kun: That 'Tin can' and some 'flashy fire effects' are at least Galaxy level(3-C) capable of shattering a star... )
—
「 "Protocol passed. Executing Scorched Earth Operations."
Following this declaration, Sam descended like a flaming meteor.
A terrifying shockwave exploded in a ring, and crimson waves of fire roared upward like a tsunami, swallowing everything in their path. Fortunately, under the protection of Acheron and Black Swan, everyone remained relatively unscathed.
"Let's leave the stage to them, darling." Black Swan blocked Stelle's path, a card appearing between her fingertips. With a gentle flick of her hand, Stelle felt the scene before her shift rapidly; the flames and the roar of battle vanished instantly.
She blinked, finding herself in a quiet room.
"This is…" Just as she was about to look around, a familiar laugh echoed from behind her.
"Hahaha…" Aventurine, seated upon a collapsed pillar, rose slowly. "…What a magnificent performance."
"Thank you for your efforts, Memokeeper - quite a brilliant move to pit enemies against each other. When I first saw the Ranger and the Hunter gathered together, my heart skipped a beat… I didn't expect you to successfully incite conflict between them."
Black Swan spoke unhurriedly: "As promised, I've delivered the child to you. Our transaction is complete."
Stelle looked back at Black Swan. "You two are in this together..." 」
「 .....」
〜Zenless Zone Zero World〜
New Eridu—
Thump!
Nicole slammed her fist onto the table, causing a stack of the Cunning Hares' deficit reports to jump.
"I knew it! Women like that are always the villains!"
She glared at the screen, teeth gritted at Black Swan's smile after the deal.
"That kind of woman can't be trusted. You all better be on your guard against people like her in the future! Do you hear me?!"
Anby looked up a beat late, a stray piece of lettuce from her burger still clinging to the corner of her mouth.
"Nicole, what exactly do you mean by 'that kind of woman'?"
"The Black Swan and Kafka types!"
Nicole ran her fingers through her hair irritably.
"The ones who talk in circles, love being cryptic, go for the sexy mature look, have… large chests, and just look like they're plotting something!"
Nicole emphasized every word:
"Never, ever talk to women like that! Otherwise, they'll lead you straight into a ditch."
"But… Boss Nicole, what if that type of woman is our client? Like, someone who drops an order for five million Denny all at once?"
Billy asked curiously.
"Don't be stupid! That's obviously a different story! If you run into a sexy older sister like that, you notify me immediately!"
"But Boss Nicole, an 'older sister' who looks that manipulative… will we really be okay?"
"Don't worry, I have a plan."
Nicole sat back on the sofa.
"I've noticed lately that the Proxy has been going to the movies with a lot of sexy older sisters—sometimes several different ones in a single day… He must have a way with the 'big sister' types. We'll just ask him for help when the time comes."
Nekomata jumped, lowering her voice hurriedly.
"The Proxy sees movies with several women in one day? That's… that's a bit too much of a playboy, isn't it?"
Nicole gave a light smirk.
"Heh, why do you think he's a legendary Proxy?"
—
「 "Haha, it seems our Nameless friend still hasn't grasped the situation. No matter, let me explain it to you." Aventurine walked slowly toward Stelle. "In short, friend, you should thank this lady. Far from scheming against you—on the contrary, she saved you…"
Stelle's brow furrowed.
Aventurine's smile deepened. "…From the hands of that Galaxy Ranger."
"Huh?" Stelle didn't react immediately.
Aventurine nodded with satisfaction. "Exactly. I love that look of pure shock."
"Friend, let's be frank now. That woman named 'Acheron' is far from as simple as you imagine. Did she say she's a Galaxy Ranger?"
"—She is an Emanator, one who brings death and finality."
"An Emanator? Whose?" Stelle was even more bewildered.
Aventurine shook his head and said flatly, "Perhaps 『 The Hunt 』… 『 Destruction 』… or even 『 Finality 』. It doesn't matter. Any facet of those Paths—they all point toward the same conclusion."
"Let me give you some IPC insider info, friend. Have you heard of the 'Duke Inferno' — Ifrit of Fetora?" 」
「 .....」