—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "I must admit, Aventurine truly lives up to his reputation as an IPC elite!"
Stelle: "His impenetrable defense is truly something to behold!"
Stelle: "Hanabi's verbal assaults were so potent, yet he maintained his composure throughout!"
Stelle: "That level of defense… he must have received the true teachings of the Preservation!"
Hanabi: "Indeed, even I was quite—surprised by that."
Hanabi: "This little peacock's endurance is genuinely not to be underestimated~"
Hanabi: "And the more resilient he is, the greater his threat, wouldn't you agree?"
Hanabi: "Chicken Wing Boy, you'd better keep a close eye on him. Otherwise, you might just lose everything~"
Sunday: "Thank you for the reminder, Fool, but you needn't trouble yourself."
Sunday: "The Family has its own methods to keep him in check."
Paimon: "Ugh… Miss Hanabi's insults are really mean….."
Paimon: "If I were talked to like that, I'd probably be crying my eyes out by now, wouldn't I?"
Hanabi: "That's it? You think that's mean? I haven't even started yet~"
Ganyu: "What?! That wasn't even her full power? Then… how terrifying would Miss Hanabi be if she truly unleashed herself? (shocked.jpg)"
Stelle: "Tch, can't even break Aventurine's guard, what's all the bluster about?"
Hanabi: "Hehehe, that's just because I didn't want to stoop to that little peacock's level. Otherwise, I'd make him understand what true aggression feels like!"
Aventurine: "My apologies for not fully satisfying Miss Fool. That truly is my fault, isn't it?"
....
—✦In Between✦—
—✦Honkai Star Rail World✦—
"Heh, Masked Fools. To think that my future self would even need to seek the aid of the Masked Fools. It seems this matter is truly exceptionally thorny."
Aventurine chuckled softly as he watched his past conversation with Hanabi.
The Masked Fools were a bunch of thrill-seekers. Unless absolutely necessary, he generally preferred not to deal with them.
For the Fools acted without scruple, without method. You could never truly fathom what chaos churned within the minds of those hedonists.
And though they called themselves Fools, they were, in fact, more cunning and intelligent than anyone else! Therefore, Aventurine usually avoided turning such troublesome individuals into his pawns.
The risks were simply too immense. But if it became an imperative, then he would have no choice but to try.
—
Amber: "Making friends with a mute?"
Amber: "Is that some kind of proverb?"
Arlecchino: "Sounds like a cryptic hint."
Paimon: "But why would Miss Hanabi give Aventurine a hint? Weren't they just at each other's throats?"
Arataki Itto: "Yeah! They were practically tearing each other apart with insults! And such nasty ones too!"
Zhongli: "Because, for now, they have no actual conflict of interest."
Zhongli: "Mr. Aventurine's goal is to bring Penacony under his sway."
Zhongli: "And as for Miss Hanabi… it seems she's merely here for… the fun of it?"
Stelle: "That's just the way those masked fools on the Path of Elation are."
Venti: "Ehe, then a little gentle guidance might just lead to even greater fun, wouldn't it?"
Hanabi: "Oh? Not bad. You've actually guessed some of my thoughts~"
Hanabi: "It seems you, too, are suited to be a Fool~ What do you say? Interested in joining~ the Tavern?"
Hanabi: "I can write you a letter of recommendation, you know~"
Venti: "Ehe, I'd truly be honored then."
Venti: "It's just a pity that I can't leave Teyvat right now. I'll have to miss out on such a wonderful opportunity."
Hanabi: "Then when you do get out, you absolutely must come find me~ The Tavern is just missing talent like you~"
Jean: "….Mr. Venti, please…. be serious!"
Paimon: "That's right, get to work, VENTI!! Stop looking for FUN!!"
Venti: "Ehe!"
....
『 [ This way— ]
After descending into the well, Stelle navigated a dark, syrup-filled sewer, crawling through its depths, until she finally reached the entrance of the secret hideout Hotaru had spoken of.
As she emerged, she heard Hotaru call out to her from nearby. Immediately, she moved to rendezvous with Hotaru.
[ Look, it's a beautiful place, isn't it? ]
[ Normally, tourists aren't allowed here, so we have to be careful not to be discovered by anyone else. ]
Hotaru stood within the railing, gazing at the beautiful architecture in the distance, and smiled as she spoke to Stelle.
[ Are you sure there won't be any problems? ]
Hearing that tourists weren't allowed here, Stelle asked with a hint of concern.
[ Don't worry, it's not a dangerous area. ]
[ You can think of this as the border of Golden Hour; the dreams further out are still under construction and renovation by the Family. ]
[ My secret stronghold is in this area. ]
[ So, let's sneak in. ]
Hotaru offered an explanation to Stelle, then looked at her with an expectant expression.
[ Alright! ]
Hotaru's earnest demeanor, made it impossible for Stelle to refuse. So, she simply nodded in agreement.
And so, Hotaru happily led the way, with Stelle following closely behind her. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Nahida: "The music here is truly beautiful."
Nahida: "It evokes a sense of peace and tranquility."
Furina: "Exactly, exactly! It has an inexplicable aesthetic beauty."
Yun Jin: "The previous music leaned towards a feeling of wonder, fantasy, and joy."
Yun Jin: "But the current music has a lyrical quality to it."
Stelle: "Oh NO!! This music gives me a bad feeling!"
March 7th: "What's wrong with it? It sounds lovely!"
Stelle: "It's precisely because it's too lovely that there's a problem!"
Sushang: "Uh… what kind of logic is that?"
Stelle: "In any case… I feel something ominous is brewing."
March 7th: "Hmph, don't overthink it. Just watch your date with Miss Hotaru."
Hotaru: "This really isn't… a date…. (shy.jpg)"
....
『 The two jogged along, and before long, they arrived at a guarded intersection.
[ Excuse me, ladies. This area ahead is a construction zone; unauthorized personnel are not permitted. ]
This was a security guard from the Bloodhound Family.
Upon seeing Hotaru and Stelle attempting to pass, he immediately stepped forward to intercept them.
[ Oh… we got caught right away. ]
Hotaru expressed a hint of helplessness.
[ Could you make an exception? ]
Stelle attempted to negotiate with the guard.
[ Please…. could you make an exception? We won't cause any trouble. ]
Hotaru also pleaded, trying to negotiate.
[ No. Orders from above dictate that no one outside the Dreamweaver team is allowed to enter. ]
The guard's attitude was firm, unyielding.
[ His attitude is too rigid….. ]
Hotaru looked a bit helpless.
[ Please, please, please….. ]
Seeing this, Stelle adopted a pitiful expression, attempting to elicit sympathy.
[ Many people ask me for favors every day; am I supposed to make an exception for everyone? ]
[ There's no need for you two to try any more tricks. ]
[ Please turn back; it's better for both of us. ]
This guard was a man of iron will, completely immune to Stelle's tactics.
[ Hmm… it seems we can't persuade him…. ]
[ I'll have to think of another way…. ]
Hotaru said with a hint of disappointment.
Seeing this, Stelle thought to herself:
(Perhaps... Clockie's Clockwork trick can come in handy? This doesn't count as malicious intent, right...)
[ No, it doesn't! ]
Stelle convinced herself inwardly, preparing to use the Clockwork on this highly principled Bloodhound Family guard.
[ Let's try 'Angry' first. ]
Stelle pondered for a moment, deciding to imbue the guard with the emotion of "Angry."
And then...
[ How many times have I told YOU!!! ]
[ This is a construction zone, no entry without PERMISSION!! ]
[ You two, do you insist on making a spectacle of yourselves in front of me?! ]
[ Then don't blame me for being impolite! ]
The Bloodhound Family guard suddenly erupted in a furious rage, pointing at Stelle and Hotaru's noses, and began to curse them out!
[ Hah, come ON!! ]
[ Let's see what you've got! ]
Hearing the guard's words, Stelle scoffed dismissively, challenging him.
She, the Galactic Baseballer, wasn't one to be easily intimidated!
Would she really be afraid of a mere security guard?
[ Ha, you brought this upon yourself! ]
[ But don't get too COCKY!! ]
[ I've seen too many like you! ]
[ Brimming with youthful energy, fearing nothing! ]
[ Idling about, causing trouble, selfish, utterly unaware of contributing value to SOCIETY!! ]
[ A rule-breaking brat like you, I will set you straight! ]
[ Go, Sweet Dreams Troupe! Teach them a harsh lesson! ]
The Bloodhound guard first harshly criticized Stelle, then unleashed the Sweet Dreams Troupe, intending to teach Stelle and Hotaru a lesson.
[ Well said! ]
[ But… ]
[ Rules are meant to be broken! ]
Stelle snorted coldly, then pulled out her trusty baseball bat, and began to sweep through the Sweet Dreams Troupe!
The power of the Galactic Baseballer, was, after all, very real.
So, in but a moment, the Sweet Dreams Troupe under the guard's command, were all laid out, defeated.
[ Damn it, I actually LOST!! ]
[ ….Is this… the power of youth…? ]
[ If I had had this power back then, Mia… would we have had a different ending? ]
[ Hmph….. ]
The guard's expression held a hint of resentment, and he seemed to recall something.
[ You may pass. Enjoy the victor's privilege….. ]
The guard began to regain his composure, though his tone was somewhat desolate.
[ Uh… is he getting a bit too into character? ]
[ But at least we can finally get through…. ]
Hotaru watched the scene, unsure what to say. But the ability to finally pass did bring her a sigh of relief.
Subsequently, the two bypassed the guard, and continued forward.
[ Never imagined that's how we'd end up getting past the guard... That trick of Clockie's really is amazing. ]
Not long after they started walking, Hotaru couldn't help but exclaim. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Hotaru: "Ah, this… did we go a bit too far?"
Hotaru: "The Clockwork seems to have reminded Mr. Guard of some unpleasant memories."
Stelle: "Cough, cough… well, next time we see him, we'll set his mood to 'Happy.' Let him have some fun."
Welt: "This power is truly peculiar, but thankfully, it can only be used in the Dreamscape."
Furina: "Exactly! If it could be used in reality, that would be absolutely terrifying!"
Stelle: "Of course, this power is terrifying in the hands of villains."
Stelle: "But in the hands of an invincible cosmic superhero like me, it only brings reassurance!"
March 7th: "Hey, Stelle! Aren't you laying it on a bit thick?"
Zhongli: "Hehe, while Miss Stelle's personality is flamboyant and free-spirited, her character is indeed excellent."
Seele: "She's just a softie, always wanting to lend a hand to anyone she meets."
Stelle: "I can't help it, forced by circumstance, I have to become a literal tool, running around. Alas… such hardship! (sad.jpg)"
Topaz: "Then why don't you join the IPC? Once you become a high-ranking executive, you won't lack for money."
Stelle: "I think I'll pass on that; the IPC's environment isn't really for me. I'm only suited to wander around, banging things with my bat."
March 7th: "Good thing that bat is sturdy, otherwise it wouldn't be able to withstand how you use it!"
Herta: "That bat, following you, is certainly being put to good use..."
Stelle: "Indeed, I certainly can't let this weapon go to waste."
....
『 Stelle and Hotaru continued walking, and soon arrived at a platform with no discernible path forward.
[ There's no path here, so we'll have to borrow the Dreamweaver's tools. ]
[ What happens next might be a little beyond your imagination….. ]
Hotaru approached a tool called the Dream-Weaving Eyeglass, explained a bit to Stelle, then activated the device.
Subsequently, the pathless platform, in a most bizarre manner, connected itself to the tiered platform far below.
[ The space actually connected…..!? ]
Stelle was utterly astonished by the sight.
[ Now we can go to the other side. ]
[ This is how the Stargazer Navigators repair the Dreamscape; isn't it wonderful? ]
Hotaru noticed Stelle's surprise, and explained with a smile.
Subsequently, the two began to utilize the wondrous properties of this tool,
continually extending the pathless platforms, thereby steadily advancing.
Then, as they walked, they arrived at a new location. There was no Dream-Weaving Eyeglass here, only a puzzle-like mechanism.
[ From here, we can get to the rooftop across the way; we'll need to use some mechanisms. ]
[ I remember it being hidden here….. ]
Hotaru stepped forward, and began to assemble the puzzle.
Afterward, the puzzle shimmered and vanished, replaced by a Dream-Weaving Eyeglass mechanism.
[ It just popped out with a 'bang'! ]
[ No matter how many times I see it, it always feels so dreamy. ]
Hotaru said with a somewhat joyful expression.
[ Then let's go. ]
Hotaru activated the Dream-Weaving Eyeglass, and a new path immediately connected before them.
They began to continue forward.
[ Look, Penacony Grand Theater! ]
[ From here, you can see everything. ]
Hotaru led Stelle to an observation platform, and began to gaze at the Penacony Grand Theater across the way.
[ It stands there, forever radiating dazzling light, just like the colorful dreams themselves. ]
[ I imagine those bathed in its light must all be drawn to that warmth….. ]
[ Just like…. countless fireflies chasing a flame. ]
Gazing at the dreamlike Grand Theater, Hotaru felt a surge of emotion.
[ Let's go, we still have half the way to go. ]
After watching for a while longer, Hotaru smiled and turned, ready to lead Stelle away.
Stelle, of course, had no objections. She agreed with a smile. They began to continue their journey.
[ This construction is a bit more complex this time…. I need to think carefully. ]
Upon arriving at another Dream-Weaving Eyeglass, Hotaru fell into a slight contemplation, observing her surroundings.
A moment later, she found a method, and connected the surrounding disordered platforms one by one.
Subsequently, they stepped onto the platforms and continued walking.
[ The Family has recruited many artists, architects, and scholars from across the galaxy… forming the Dreamweaver team to weave Penacony's beautiful dreams. ]
[ This is an uncharted territory that tourists don't venture into, so it's not as lively as the city center…. ]
[ But I really like this secluded atmosphere. ]
The two walked into a beautiful garden, Hotaru gazed at the tranquil beauty around them, a look of contentment gracing her lovely face. 』
『 ....』