Penacony.
Hotel Lobby.
Aventurine put on his sunglasses.
He was preparing to head to the front desk to check in.
Not long ago.
He had already reached a cooperation agreement with Ratio.
Ratio promised to join him after finishing his affairs at the school.
Aventurine also needed to arrive first to complete part of his "scheme."
"Wait here," Aventurine said to the security personnel.
He then headed to the lobby alone.
The spacious and bright lobby.
There were quite a few people coming and going.
Some small groups were even gathered together, engaged in some activity.
Aventurine didn't pay much attention at first.
Suddenly.
Two people in front of him excitedly picked up signs in their hands.
They said to him, "Friend, please stop!"
"Do you acknowledge that Professor Veritas Ratio's wisdom is unparalleled in the galaxy?"
Aventurine: "?"
He took off his sunglasses.
Only then did he see that the person was holding a life-sized game standee of Ratio.
"Alright, alright..."
"Ratio, this move of yours has earned you countless die-hard fans across the galaxy."
Seeing the expectant look on the other person's face, Aventurine nodded in agreement.
"I acknowledge it."
"Great, thank you!"
The man looked satisfied.
He handed Aventurine a sticker of Dr. Ratio.
He even politely stuck it on Aventurine's luggage.
"This is Dr. Ratio's blessing. May you have a wonderful day."
Aventurine nodded.
These players were actually quite endearing.
At that moment.
Two security personnel from the Family suddenly approached.
With cold expressions, they said, "Who allowed you to form small groups here and disturb the guests' check-in?"
"The Family has completely banned all content related to Honkai: Star Rail!"
The man immediately retorted, "What does the Family's ban have to do with us players?"
Another player nearby also protested, "We're here to enter the dreamscape. What does it matter to you what game we play?"
"Is this the Family's so-called inclusivity?"
"Exactly!"
"Nowadays, who isn't a player of Star Rail? The Family has some nerve, thinking they can ban Honkai: Star Rail just like that!"
The two sides were on the verge of a heated argument.
Passersby also joined in, adding fuel to the fire.
The hotel lobby manager hurried over to mediate.
However, it seemed that the instructions received by both parties were different.
The family's security personnel and the lobby manager actually started arguing.
The situation was becoming increasingly chaotic.
Although Aventurine appeared indifferent.
He didn't miss a single word of the crucial information revealed during the argument.
"The family has completely banned all content related to Honkai: Star Rail."
"A strange move..."
"In other words, the family's leaders believe that future plot developments will be unfavorable to them."
"Simply put, they have something to hide."
A chip appeared in Aventurine's hand.
He twirled it gently.
He felt the weight of this chip grow slightly heavier.
The lobby was getting noisy.
Just as more and more people joined in condemning the family.
A large screen suddenly lit up above the hotel lobby.
The music of Interastral Peace News began to play!
At the same time.
The surrounding advertising screens and displays all switched to the same broadcast!
In an instant.
The entire hotel lobby.
Was filled with the sound of Interastral Peace News.
"What's going on?"
"What happened?"
Players from Penacony, passing dreamers, the family's security personnel, hotel staff... all stopped in unison.
Their eyes turned to the content on the big screen.
The reporter was inside a spaceship cabin.
Facing the camera, she introduced: "Good evening, dear viewers."
"I am currently in the region of the Eternal Flame Manor!"
"As you can see through the observation window behind me, the Interastral Peace Corporation's fleet has surrounded the area around the Eternal Flame Manor."
"The operation to eliminate Duke Inferno of the Annihilation Gang and his accomplices has reached its final stage!"
"We believe this heinous fire demon will receive the punishment he deserves! The Interastral Peace Corporation will continue to ensure the safety and peace of the universe..."
"This is the Interastral Peace Live Broadcast!"
"Our reporter will continue to bring you the latest updates on the battle!"
In an instant.
The hands gripping each other's collars loosened.
Compared to the major events unfolding in the universe.
Their petty squabbles seemed insignificant.
The lobby manager breathed a sigh of relief.
It had to be said, this live news broadcast came at just the right time.
Successfully diverting everyone's attention.
Otherwise.
He had no idea how this situation would have ended.
Nor did he understand what had gotten into the family's leaders.
To go against Honkai: Star Rail!
After all.
The entire universe is filled with players of Honkai: Star Rail.
This was clearly going against all their guests!
At this moment.
The players watching the live broadcast couldn't help but exclaim.
"The company acted quickly!"
"It's about time Duke Inferno was dealt with!"
"There's no escape for Duke Inferno now!"
Suddenly.
In the live broadcast.
The camera abruptly shifted.
As if something unexpected had happened!
In addition to the company's fleet.
Another fleet appeared in the starry river, rushing to the scene!
The reporter immediately tensed up: "A fleet has broken through the company's blockade and arrived at the scene!"
"It seems they are equipped with some kind of new weapon!"
"Could they be reinforcements for the Eternal Flame Mansion?"
"Are they friend or foe?"
The defensive fleet surrounding the company immediately went into combat readiness, aiming their weapons at the suddenly appearing fleet.
However, this fleet seemed to have anticipated such a reaction. They promptly displayed their identification, and a massive emblem lit up above them.
Seeing this emblem, the players on the scene erupted in excitement!
"That's... the emblem of the Herta Space Station!"
"No wonder it felt so familiar! It's our friends from the space station!"
"I heard on the forums that the space station was also planning to take down Duke Inferno, but I didn't think they'd actually go through with it!"
"Great, Duke Inferno is done for!"
Aventurine had already completed the check-in process but wasn't in a hurry to settle in. Instead, he followed the crowd, watching the scene with keen interest.
Although he had known in advance that the company was launching an attack on Duke Inferno, he couldn't help but wonder: would the Duke, who played such a significant role in the game, really surrender without a fight?
Perhaps there were still twists and turns to come?
...
At the Herta Space Station, the staff erupted in cheers as they watched the live broadcast.
"It's our fleet!"
"They actually did it!"
"My warp technology is as reliable as ever!"
"Let the Annihilation Gang know that our space station isn't to be trifled with!"
"Those who dare to attack our space station will be hunted down, no matter how far they flee!"
Only a small portion of the space station's staff had gone to the front lines, while the majority remained in the station, remotely controlling the battle. This fight was well-prepared and foolproof.
Asta spoke up, "Alright, now it's time for the battle against the Eternal Flame Mansion. Everyone, stay focused, and all departments, get ready!"
"May we achieve a swift victory!"
She felt a bit nervous but was mostly filled with excitement and anticipation. After fighting in the game for so long, this time, they were finally going to engage in a real battle.
With the technology of the space station and the armed forces of the company, Duke Inferno was in for a tough time!