The situation on-site was growing increasingly chaotic—one might even call it "bizarre"!
It was one thing for the IPC envoy, Aventurine, to be under suspicion—after all, his original goal was to annex Penacony.
But now, things had taken an even stranger turn!
Even Sunday, the head of the Oak Family, was suspected of being the mastermind behind Penacony's troubles!
This was completely unexpected!
Noticing the suspicious glances directed his way, Sunday turned to the Masked Fool, Sparkle, and calmly asked,
"Miss Sparkle, might you have brought any additional... revelations?"
Sparkle, looking utterly delighted by the chaos, replied,
"That's all I've got for now! What's wrong, Sunday? Not satisfied with your role?"
"Not at all. It's just that since Miss Sparkle's revelations are merely a preview, I'm concerned further content might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings."
"Oh? So you're saying you don't trust the preview and only believe in the main storyline now?"
"The current situation in Penacony is complex. Relying solely on out-of-context previews can easily lead to misconceptions," Sunday responded with measured composure.
"Alright then! Since so many people are here, why don't we just watch the rest of the current version's main story together?"
As soon as Sparkle's words fell, the crowd erupted in agreement.
"I support Miss Sparkle's suggestion!"
"Good, good! This is perfect!"
"If it's Director Sparkle's idea, I'm all for it!"
"Honestly, I can't even tell who the real enemy is anymore..."
"We desperately need the game's story for clues!"
"With so many of us here, we can analyze any hidden details or symbolism in the plot!"
Faced with such overwhelming support, any opposition would be futile.
For instance, Aventurine knew he was likely to do something extreme in the story—and if those actions were exposed as part of the game's narrative, the Family would undoubtedly use it as grounds to permanently banish him from Penacony's credit system.
His mission would end in utter failure.
Though Aventurine wanted to object, raising his voice now would only amplify suspicions tenfold.
"Damn it... Guess I'll have to face the music."
"Hopefully, my luck holds even in the game's storyline."
Meanwhile, two others deeply tied to the plot—Black Swan and Firefly—remained silent, supporting the decision without protest.
After all, they had clear consciences.
Their reasons for coming to Penacony involved no schemes or bloodshed—one was fulfilling a promise to a Galaxy Ranger, the other following Elio's script.
Their sudden notoriety was purely the result of earlier story developments stirring the pot.
Sunday, too, remained unshaken, showing no concern for the upcoming plot.
Though the preview showed him activating the "Harmonious Choir"—likely wielding the power of "Order" to manifest the choir in an unprecedented form—he felt no panic.
He believed his path was just.
Even if the story exposed his methods, he trusted that the game's developer, "Yu Ling", would fully articulate his ideals.
He was confident most present would understand—perhaps even join his cause.
In fact, Sunday was almost eager for his part of the story to unfold.
Seeing everyone so composed—even Sunday radiating calm confidence—Aventurine began to doubt himself.
"Is no one going to object?"
"Are you all truly guiltless?"
"Am I... the final boss?"
Before he could dwell further, the screen lit up with the next chapter of the story.
There was no turning back now.
Aventurine's gaze darkened.
"Whatever happens... I'll watch first and adapt."
---
[Mission Title: Who Killed...]
[The Memokeeper also expressed distrust toward Aventurine but persuaded you to prioritize the bigger picture. You decided to see what 'truth' he claimed could overturn Penacony.]
The story began in the corridors of The Reverie Hotel).
Aventurine stood waiting.
As Stelle approached, she spoke:
"Good. I knew you'd come. Ah, the Memokeeper... Never mind, I won't pry."
"Like I said—consult your allies, even use me if you want. I welcome it! Proving your worth is part of the deal."
"I never make bad investments. So, my 'friends'... don't disappoint me."
"Now—right this way!"
Following Aventurine, they entered a room bathed in crimson light.
Every eye in the room was glued to the unfolding plot.
Aventurine himself felt like he'd been dragged onstage for a forced performance.
"Damn it... Of all times..."
He knew any questionable actions in the story would be magnified tenfold in real time—this was a public execution.
To make matters worse, the Family had subtly blocked his escape routes, as if expecting him to flee.
The odds were stacked against him.
Yet, in the game, his character remained cool and collected.
"Oh, right—I almost forgot what I said next... What was it again?"
"Ah... this hallway, this room. Familiar, isn't it? Last time we met, it was here."
"We're here. Behind this door. Hold your breath—prepare to be amazed."
As Stelle selected [Enter the Room], the crowd fell silent.
Everyone knew a bombshell was coming.
The screen faded to black—only Aventurine's narration and subtitles remained:
"Ah, now I remember... friend. After that, we played a delightful little game."
"Look. it mirrors that time ... doesn't it?"
"It's all coming back to me. That time, I told you—"
The screen brightened.
Aventurine and the Trailblazer stood in the room, approaching the Dream Pool.
"See, friend?"
"The game has already begun."
The room was filled with blue dream bubbles of varying sizes, obscuring their view. Only by moving closer could they see what lay inside the pool.
Aventurine pushed aside a bubble.
"Let's make a deal—one you can't refuse."
"No reason..."
"...and no room for negotiation."
As they reached the pool, Stelle's eyes widened in shock.
Lying inside was... Robin!
A violet wound pierced her chest.
Her body was unmistakably lifeless.
Half the room froze in stunned silence.
Then, like a dissipating dream bubble, Robin's form vanished without a trace...
[To Be Continued...]
As the words appeared on-screen, the crowd erupted.
"What in the world? What just happened?!"
"Wasn't Firefly the one taken by 'death' earlier? How is Robin also dead in the Dream Pool?!"
"And the same fatal wound—straight through the chest!"
"No—this can't be real!!"
"Now I get why the mission's called [Who Killed...]—there's more than one victim!"
"Who's the mastermind? I'll gut them first!"
Many were furious, their voices thick with outrage.
But those truly shaken by the revelation were far quieter.
Sunday's face darkened.
Unlike the others, his reaction was subtle—quickened breath, contracted pupils.
Yet this was the genuine response of someone horrified.
He wasn't the type to scream or shout—his rationality and upbringing forbade it.
Pressing a hand to his forehead, Sunday fought to steady himself.
"Logic. Damn it—I need to think clearly!"
Taking a deep breath, he immediately ordered his subordinates:
"Contact Robin at once. I need confirmation of her safety—now."
To be continued…