Just as everyone was surprised by Miss Robin's death, Acheron seemed to sense something.
She glanced at Welt, then silently walked away from the Clockie statue.
Welt frowned slightly and looked at Himeko; the two had an unspoken understanding, knowing what the other wanted to express with just a look.
Himeko watched Acheron's retreating figure and nodded to Welt.
Without many words, Welt quietly followed Acheron.
Black Swan was a bit puzzled but didn't say much.
After all, the two who left were the absolute powerhouses in their small team, and she, a mere Memokeeper, had no need to worry.
After the two left, the remaining few also silently sorted out their thoughts.
After all, receiving too much information at once could make one's head spin.
Stelle thought for a moment and decided to talk to everyone individually.
——
And Acheron, after walking to an deserted street, stopped.
Acheron's calm voice rang out: "Please show yourself."
The voice wasn't loud, yet for some reason, it echoed through every corner of the entire street.
And just a few seconds later, three figures appeared behind Acheron.
Leading them was a Pipishi person in a colored suit, followed by a man and a woman, both staring at Acheron with wary eyes.
And on a tall building, a black-purple raven perched, its gaze fixed on the figures below, without any extra movements, like a machine.
"What exactly do you intend to do by coming to Penacony?"
A deep, rich voice came from the leading Pipishi person's mouth. Just by hearing the voice, one could feel the profoundness and mystery within the speaker's heart.
"I don't intend to do anything."
Acheron's tone remained calm. She stood with one hand on her hip, looking at the prosperous scene before her, with no intention of turning back.
"That's not up to you." The owner of the voice stopped after approaching Acheron to a certain distance.
"Do you know? The first time people come to the Land of Dreams, they subconsciously stop to make sure they are still standing on solid ground.
Then they will all look up at the sky."
The other party's voice came again, but this time it seemed to be mixed with many other people's voices.
"Whether in reality or dreams, gazing at the sky is human instinct.
Since the day the Golden Hour was established, it has always watched over every extravagant night."
As the Dream Master continued his narration, the originally empty street gradually filled with many figures, all surrounding the area.
"And your existence is a threat to this dream. It will be tainted by the haze of nothingness because of you, and I must ensure that you cannot unleash that blade."
The Dream Master's tone became serious, as if he was ready to make a move.
But Acheron remained quite calm.
"One blade? That's not accurate. In my opinion, it's two blades, it's just that most people can't perceive them."
"That's not the point."
The Dream Master was also a bit hesitant at this moment. Could it be that he was speaking too indirectly, and the other party didn't understand?
Then he stated his purpose directly.
"For the peace of Penacony, I am here to issue you an eviction notice."
Afterward, the Dream Master, with an unknown source of confidence and pondering what, added another sentence.
"The Festivity of Stars cannot accommodate you, the puppet of nothingness. Those who live in the shadows should not step into the light."
Acheron finally reacted upon hearing this. She tilted her head slightly and retorted to the Dream Master without showing any weakness.
"Regarding living in the shadows, there should be no difference between us. At least when talking to others, you should show your true form."
Acheron turned around and looked directly at the Pipishi person in front of her: "The Dream Master of Penacony."
"Hahaha, there's one more reason why I can't let you stay."
The person opposite laughed twice, then stared at Acheron and continued:
"But whether you believe it or not, this is the real me."
As soon as his words fell, the surrounding crowd doubled again, completely surrounding the area, making it impossible to pass through.
"Not only that, every single one is."
The Dream Master said this with considerable confidence, as if showing off a special skill.
Acheron looked at the "crowd" surrounding her, and finally turned her gaze back to the Pipishi person:
"Is this what the Family calls 'one heart, one mind'?"
The Dream Master seemed pleased with her question and was quite willing to explain.
"My mortal body has long since dissipated. The 107,336 children of the Oak Family are now my eyes, ears, and mouth.
When needed, I will spread harmony in this beautiful dream. When necessary, they will banish evil from this paradise for me."
Acheron folded her arms and pondered for a moment, then asked somewhat indifferently.
"It sounds like you're asking me to leave Penacony."
"I'm glad you have some self-awareness, but unfortunately, no—please."
The Dream Master's tone was forceful, as if pronouncing a death sentence.
It was at this moment that Welt stepped forward.
"Both of you... well, I suppose it's both of you? Regarding this matter, I'd like to express my personal opinion."
Welt squeezed through the crowd and came to Acheron's side.
The Dream Master also directed some of his attention to Welt, speaking in a somewhat calm tone.
"Mr. Welt, I have heard of your esteemed name, and I am willing to believe that the Astral Express is on the side of justice."
The Dream Master paused, his tone suddenly becoming stern.
"But this matter concerns the safety of the dream, and I will not concede an inch."
Welt was not intimidated by the Dream Master; he calmly continued:
"There is one thing I must remind you: Miss Acheron is now a friend of the Astral Express, and the Astral Express will vouch for Miss Acheron—she would never draw that blade without reason.
However, since you are so unsparing, please allow me to ask impertinently—is the current Penacony truly still walking the path of harmony?"
As he finished speaking, Acheron and Welt both stared at the Pipishi person before them.
The Dream Master fell silent for a moment, his voice seeming to become even deeper.
"I must remind you, Mr. Welt, as an honored guest of the Family, what consequences questioning our faith will bring upon you."
But Welt remained unmoved.
"Please answer my question directly."
The atmosphere instantly became tense, and the scene became eerily silent, appearing very strange in this crowded street.
Just as the Dream Master's thoughts were becoming increasingly dangerous, perhaps due to the Pipishi person's height advantage, he saw that Acheron had already placed one hand on her scabbard, as if ready to draw it at any moment... "Of course, the god Hipe has always been the faith of all members of our Family. His radiance shines equally upon everyone."
(The author has decided to start mass-releasing from today, with a minimum of 6,000 words per day, with no upper limit, depending on how much the author can manage in a day. Please give some 'love for power' support to the author.)
