Welt and the others also looked over with some curiosity, but Jiang Lin merely said indifferently:
"Just some insignificant little tricks, at most they just look rather flashy."
Seeing that Jiang Lin was unwilling to say more, the others didn't press him. Himeko then looked at Stelle.
"Can you tell us what you encountered before?"
Stelle thought for a moment, then said simply and clearly:
"A friend and I were tricked by Sparkle. When I woke up again, I was in a very strange place.
Sparkle said that was the real Penacony..."
Black Swan added at this point: "It is indeed a peculiar domain of memories, but she is also quite special; she wasn't affected by that primal dream."
"Sparkle..." Himeko pondered for a moment, then looked at Black Swan again. "Do you understand her?"
Black Swan's lips curved slightly upwards, quite confident.
"Of course, I understand everyone here. In Penacony, everyone might lie, but memories won't."
"Really won't?"
Jiang Lin asked with some curiosity at this moment.
Black Swan's upward-curved lips instantly stiffened, and she replied somewhat cautiously:
"Uh... probably not..."
March 7th, at this moment, pulled Stelle closer and whispered:
"Isn't she supposed to be the expert on this? Why does she seem so unconfident? Do you think she might have been traumatized?"
Stelle thought for a moment, "She's actually quite amazing, right? If it weren't for her before, I probably wouldn't have seen you all."
Himeko spoke up at this point, bringing the topic back on track.
"Everyone, please share the results of your investigations in the dream."
Black Swan nodded and spoke directly:
"Let's start with the conclusion. The so-called Land of Dreams is actually the result of the Family's meticulous maintenance through unknown means—a well-designed beautiful dream.
And that domain of memories she fell into—that is the dream's original appearance: a chaotic, dangerous, mysterious, and unpredictable labyrinth inhabited by beasts of memory."
Upon hearing this, Himeko and Welt fell into contemplation. They realized that the details they had seen along the way indeed explained this point.
"Penacony's beautiful dream is sinking, returning to its original state... plunging into the deep sea."
Black Swan seemed to regain her confidence at this moment, her face beneath the veil appearing a few shades brighter.
Welt nodded, "Thus, it also explains the incongruity in the Family's words."
Himeko thought for a moment, then asked Black Swan again:
"Ms. Black Swan, we have seen your sincerity, but please allow me to ask in detail, for what reason did the Garden of Recollection choose to cooperate with the Astral Express?"
Black Swan's expression also became serious:
"Please allow me to correct you... This is my personal request, not representing the Garden of Recollection.
And the answer is obvious. Many people are looking for me now. The Garden of Recollection cannot give me the sense of security I desire, and the Astral Express has the influence to make them hesitant.
Also, your memories, they are brilliant enough to be worth cherishing."
Black Swan then changed the subject, deciding to add more leverage to her position: "Besides, the help an Emanator can provide in Penacony is absolutely not to be underestimated, isn't it?"
Himeko nodded slightly, looked at the others, and seeing that they had no objections, replied:
"I understand. Let's talk about other matters."
At this point, Dan Heng took the initiative to speak:
"I deliberately observed the movements of the Family in the dream. The members of the Hound Family have recently become exceptionally active. According to my investigation, this is at the request of Mr. Sunday."
March 7th was a bit confused at this moment:
"Huh? Weren't we together after we got off the Astral Express? When did you investigate?"
Dan Heng said somewhat helplessly: "You were always busy shopping, so I didn't disturb you."
Welt took over the topic at this point:
"It is indeed strange. I also investigated the members of the Oak Family, and I found that they quickly disappeared a while ago."
Stelle thought for a moment: "Perhaps it's to cope with the company's pressure?"
March 7th was a bit puzzled, "But do the Oak Family members have combat power? They can't possibly combine, can they?"
Jiang Lin was stunned when he heard March 7th's words. He really couldn't figure out what principle this was, so he looked at Himeko, who had been silent.
She... seemed to be lost in thought?
— — — —
Meanwhile, in a room at the real hotel, Aventurine, Topaz, and Ratio were gathered.
"There are no more eyes around. Can you tell me your plan now?"
Aventurine looked at Topaz opposite him and asked with some curiosity.
"Of course, our original goal was to qualify for a seat at the table in Penacony. And now, the loss of the Cornerstone gives the company every reason to make a strong entry."
Ratio spoke at this point:
"Three Cornerstones, that's much more valuable than your life, gambler."
Aventurine looked at Ratio and smiled:
"Oh, Professor, I didn't realize? You actually care about me quite a bit."
Then Aventurine looked at Topaz again:
"But only I visited Penacony. If we publicly announce that three Cornerstones were lost... I'm afraid anyone would guess that our company is also here to cause trouble."
Topaz shook her head and continued to explain:
"Of course, we can't say that to the public. One Cornerstone is enough to give the company the right to enter."
Ratio explained at this point:
"The three Cornerstones are for the old guys in the company to hear.
And this price is enough for them to temporarily put aside their struggles and gather their strength to bite off a considerable piece of the Penacony cake for the company."
Aventurine thought for a moment, then with a devil-may-care smile, seemed to say somewhat jokingly:
"But after this, we might all be collectively demoted, no?"
"That's not necessarily true."
At this moment, an elegant and intellectual voice came from the doorway. It was an elegant lady with purple hair.
"Ms. Emerald? You arrived so quickly?"
Topaz stood up directly, appearing very happy.
Ms. Emerald walked to Topaz's side, pinched her cheek, and her gentle words reached everyone present.
"Sit down, Xiao Yelina." Then, pulling her hand and sitting down, she continued:
"I've brought the latest decision. In two days, if the Family still gives no response as always... then the company will forcibly take over Penacony with military force."
Aventurine frowned: "Has the situation already escalated to such tension?"
Ms. Emerald explained calmly:
"Originally, it wouldn't have been this way, but this incident piqued the curiosity of a prominent figure within the company. When he turned his attention to Penacony, he discovered some even more interesting things..."
Topaz was a bit confused: "What is it?"
Ms. Emerald, however, shook her head:
"That's not quite clear, but the company's active forces are still moving towards Penacony."
"More reinforcements? The fleet surrounding Penacony is already spectacular enough. Is this going to be a large-scale interstellar war?"
Aventurine was no longer calm at this moment and also asked with some surprise.
Ratio said with some solemnity:
"If the Family is pushed too hard, an Emanator of harmony is very likely to personally intervene."
Ms. Emerald, however, smiled slightly, looking at Aventurine and Ratio opposite her: "Do you remember what I told you before you set off?"
Topaz thought for a moment and answered first: "You told Aventurine to be careful, that Diamond is extremely concerned about this operation?"
Ms. Emerald nodded, then continued to speak:
"Diamond is also ready to intervene at any time."
