"Attention, everyone. Before the train initiates warp, I have an important announcement to make."
After Stelle and March 7th finished washing up and arrived in the Observation Car, Pom-Pom moved to the center of the car, clapped his hands, and signaled everyone to look his way.
Seeing this, the crew rose from their seats and gathered around Pom-Pom.
Feeling all eyes on him, Pom-Pom first cleared his throat, then spoke slowly and deliberately: "As you all know, our destination is Penacony, the Planet of Festivities."
"Before the train begins warping, I, as the Conductor, must remind you of three crucial points."
Pom-Pom held up three fingers—though how he managed to do so remains a mystery. Nevertheless, he did it with unwavering seriousness.
"First, Penacony lies within the Asdana Star System, a region saturated with Memetic Substance. Due to certain unique circumstances, the concentration of Memetic Substance there is far higher than the normal average."
"Normally, there shouldn't be any issues, but everyone's physical condition is different, so I must remind you: if you experience any unusual symptoms, please speak up immediately. Don't push yourselves too hard."
"Secondly, Penacony belongs to the Family. This is the Family's first time extending an invitation to outsiders, and we are visiting as guests. We must strictly adhere to all their rules and customs."
"Thirdly, um... This third point is more of a request than a demand..." Pom-Pom's little hands formed their signature round shape as he rubbed them together, hesitated for a moment, and then finally said:
"I'm very sorry to interrupt your vacation on Penacony... but I hope you can spare some time between enjoying your vacation to inquire about any news of the Nameless."
After saying this, Pom-Pom turned his gaze to Lumina. "Passenger Lumina, although this third matter doesn't directly concern you, I would still like to request your assistance in keeping an eye out and making inquiries, in my capacity as Conductor of the Astral Express."
"Whether you find any leads or not, I, Pom-Pom, will owe you a personal favor."
Lumina, having thoroughly studied the Version 2.x scripts, naturally knew what Pom-Pom was referring to. She smiled faintly and replied, "Conductor, you needn't be so formal. Since the Astral Express has so kindly offered me a ride, it's only natural I should repay the favor."
"I'll inquire about this with the Family on my own initiative."
Lumina had been pondering how to present the Player with her perspective on Sunday.
Pom-Pom's suggestion had come at just the right time!
"Thank you, Passenger Lumina," Pom-Pom said, his affection for her growing even stronger.
"I'll explain the details now," Himeko said with a warm smile to Lumina before beginning her explanation of the matter.
"Like most Worlds the Train stops at..."
"Alright, that's about it."
"It's almost time. Get ready for the Warp."
After sharing the details of the Nameless passengers and their event, Pom-Pom glanced at the Train's clock and concluded the discussion.
"Passengers, please take your seats and hold on tight."
With that, Pom-Pom headed toward the Cockpit section.
"Okay, let's not overthink this. Just treat the investigation as a secondary matter."
"Our main priority is to fully enjoy this rare vacation on the Planet of Festivities."
Although the matter was important to Pom-Pom, Himeko didn't want to put too much pressure on March 7th and the others.
Children should focus on enjoying their holiday on the Planet of Festivities. The adults can handle the rest...
With the Warp imminent, Himeko spoke briefly and then settled into a seat.
"Himeko's right. Let's make the most of this rare vacation." As a veteran Nameless, Welt naturally understood the value of these rare vacations on the Astral Express.
Especially since this time, their vacation destination was Penacony, universally renowned as the "Land of Dreams" and the "Planet of Festivities."
With such a renowned reputation, Penacony was sure to keep the little ones thoroughly entertained.
Therefore, like Himeko, Welt didn't want March 7th and the others to waste this precious vacation searching for clues.
"We—"
"Alright, let's discuss everything once we arrive at Penacony. The Warp is about to begin."
March 7th was about to say something when Welt abruptly cut her off.
Having known March 7th for so long, Welt could easily guess what she wanted to say.
He smiled faintly, giving her no chance to speak, and casually found a seat in the Observation Car.
Seeing this, March 7th, Stelle, and Little Swarm didn't dwell on it further and settled into the seats next to their Sister Lumina.
Sitting by the window, Lumina gazed at the sulky-looking Apricot Grove Star, filled with reluctance to part, chuckled softly, and waved goodbye:
"Goodbye~"
As if hearing Lumina's words, Apricot Grove's crestfallen and reluctant emotions vanished instantly, replaced by pure joy. The planet conjured two radiant hands that waved at the entire Astral Express, as if urging them:
"Come visit again!"
"Bye-bye~" The trio beside her smiled, raised their hands, and waved farewell to the planet.
Moments later, Pom-Pom's voice echoed through the train's intercom:
"The train is about to warp! The train is about to warp! The train is about to warp, Pom!"
"Passengers, please take your seats immediately! Passengers, please take your seats immediately! Passengers, please take your seats immediately, Pom!"
"3..."
"2..."
"1!"
As the countdown ended, the train transformed into a beam of light and soared into the cosmos...