[Um… Kakavasha?]
[Kakavasha's hair is golden, and Aventurine's hair is golden too.]
[So, what are you guys trying to say?]
[I'm thinking, could this be a tragic story?]
"Just as you suspected: no one out there knows Robin was killed. Not even a whisper of a rumor. The TV's still broadcasting her ceremony rehearsal—probably a stand-in—everyone's still dreaming," Dr. Ratio said, arms crossed calmly.
Aventurine grinned boldly, "Of course. Who'd expect death to truly strike in the beautiful dream crafted by the Family, with the star of the Charmony Festival as the victim… Honestly, I didn't believe it at first. I even tested it myself a few times—until I realized I really couldn't die. Whenever there's danger, the Dreamscape Pool forcibly wakes me, like it was just a nightmare. That's why I'm certain there's a bigger secret behind this."
Dr. Ratio and Aventurine exchanged information. Aventurine revealed that Robin's death was unusual and that she was the mute Sparkle had mentioned. Dr. Ratio got straight to the point, "That man wants to see you again."
"Who?" "Sunday."
Aventurine paused for a few seconds, "A public trial or a private interrogation?"
"If it were the former, I wouldn't be the one delivering the message."
"Alright… then it all adds up. See, dead men don't talk, but the living do— Ratio, I'm now certain there's definitely a problem within the Family. Just wait and see. That man's sister is dead… he won't sit still. No time to waste—let's go! Lead the way! The show… is about to begin."
Aventurine and Dr. Ratio arrived at the Dewlight Pavilion. Ratio pointed at the gate, "We're here. Dewlight Pavilion, the Oak Family's fortress, where the family heads convene to plan Penacony's grand designs."
"Fortress?" Aventurine nodded, "Nice metaphor. I recently dealt with warlords from the Iimanika system, and their orbital estates weren't even this heavily guarded."
"It suits its master. This mansion nominally belongs to Sunday. Without his invitation, ordinary guests would never set foot here in their lifetime. Take a good look while you still have a moment of freedom."
Aventurine glanced at Dr. Ratio, "Hey, Professor—what's that supposed to mean? Whose side are you on?"
Ratio replied haughtily, "Who's to say I won't betray you?"
"Then we'll see. Once I meet that control-freak Oak Family head, I'll have my ways to pry answers from his mouth."
"Follow me. I'll take you to his reception hall. Don't say anything unnecessary—the Family's people are my responsibility."
[These two's interactions… they feel special!] [Why do I feel like they're shippable?]
[Oh, absolutely.]
[I want to see two girls getting cozy.]
Soon after, they reached the heavily guarded fortress entrance, where a Pepeshi stood.
[Heh, it's him again.]
[Why is it always Julian playing the role?]
[No wonder they call him the thousand-faced man.]
[It's practically a meme at this point.]
"Hey, you two! This is a restricted meeting area—no entry without permission," Hendrick said, standing tall and eyeing them.
"I'm here at Mr. Sunday's request to bring the suspect. 'Ratio'—he should've mentioned the name."
"Oh, I remember you… Veritas Ratio. Your Ponzi Particle Clock left quite an impression."
Dr. Ratio sighed, "What are you talking about?"
"That thing on your head! Though it's no match for my Mobile Knight's all-domain annihilation power armor."
"I told you last time, that fantasy armor of yours doesn't even exist."
"It's just invisible to you! I said only Family can see the Mobile Knight's radiance—alright, go on through. Don't keep Mr. Sunday waiting."
Dr. Ratio struggled to suppress the urge to die, "Ugh… the idiot index here isn't much better than outside."
[Haha, the Godfather's dumbfounded!]
[Godfather: I see an idiot, a fool who wants to die.]
[Such abstract dialogue.]
[What can I say? Honkai's as abstract as ever.]
The two entered a grand foyer filled with statues, only to find no path forward… in other words, no door. Aventurine pointed ahead, "Where's the way?"
"The gate's sealed. Looks like we'll have to figure it out ourselves."
Aventurine paused for a moment, "I mean… there's literally no door. How'd you get in before?"
After gathering clues, the two began their covert work, bickering like an old married couple. Aventurine, beaming like a child seeking praise, looked at Dr. Ratio, "As expected, this is the right answer."
As the final statue clicked into place, a door appeared. Dr. Ratio nodded seriously, "A great discovery—perhaps I should give you my spot in the Genius Society."
Aventurine raised an eyebrow, "Really? I thought you'd let that go already."
Dr. Ratio smacked his own forehead, "It's a damn joke. Can't you tell?"
[Haha, these two together are just too fun.]
[LOL.]
[You can tell they're pretty close.]
[This kind of dynamic just hits the spot—one's clueless, the other's grumpy.]
The two continued into the mansion. However, Dr. Ratio spoke first, "…Wait."
"What, wrong turn?"
"No, but this door's locked."
Aventurine waved dismissively, "Friend, did you actually make an appointment with him?"
"It's a test. Before the formal talk, you need to prove your worth to Sunday. If I'm not mistaken, we have to find a way to unlock this door in this hall, or it becomes our prison."
"Oh!" Aventurine grinned, "Escape room? I'm in."
"Get serious. No one's playing games. Turn around—the clue's likely in that conspicuous sandbox," Dr. Ratio said, pointing back at it.
They noticed an obvious gap in the sandbox model—perhaps the key to reaching the Family's council chamber. Based on Professor Ratio's recollection, the piece that fit the gap was in a nearby curio room.
The two reached the curio room, pursuing a degree in "breaking and entering"—or rather, just searching for items. Aventurine examined an object closely, "The plaque says Gulliver Arch. You remember this tiny thing so clearly? Its design reminds me of a tunnel that shrinks you when you pass through…"
"If I were you, I'd shut up. Don't say things you shouldn't."
If you've seen that fun anime with a blue cat from the future, you'd surely think of that tunnel that shrinks you when you pass through… Uh, ahem, due to copyright concerns, the rest of this content is withheld.
Anyway, the two returned to the hall and inserted the Gulliver Arch into the slot.
[Haha, strong legal awareness.]
[This narrator and subtitles are killing me.]
[I feel like these two are just so entertaining together.]
[Their dynamic is too fun—real-name envy!]
"Look, a perfect fit—uh, what's next?" Aventurine rubbed his chin, then touched the arch. The next moment, a flash of light hit.
When he looked again, Aventurine was standing on the sandbox. He marveled, "Wow, I shrank? Am I dreaming?"
Dr. Ratio, resting his chin on one hand, said, "You are indeed."
"Professor, you're so tall now! I'm actually in the sandbox, and so tiny… How about we just leave like this? Find a chance to slip me into Sunday's collar, infiltrate the Family that way…"
Dr. Ratio let out a soft scoff.
Aventurine: "Alright, just kidding."
He began searching for the key alone, like a curious child. He arrived before an oak soldier figure. The oak soldier stood at attention, "G-g-g-g-greetings, welcome to the Golden Hour b-b-b-b-base model—I'm the O-o-o-o-oak Soldier, here to g-g-g-guide your tour-r-r-r-r—"
Aventurine kicked it.
The oak soldier continued, "—tour. At your s-s-s-service. Generating g-g-g-guidance, please wait-t-t-t…"
Aventurine kicked it again.
The oak soldier reactivated, "R-r-r-retrieved the nearest checkpoint! P-p-p-please look—behind me, this t-t-t-twist-egg-g-g-g machine model—m-m-m-model-l-l-l-l— Ah!"
[Sorry, my stomach hurts from laughing.]
[Am I still watching a main story? This feels like a side episode.]
[Right, doesn't miHoYo save this stuff for side content?]
[I'm dying of laughter, seriously.]
[I'm worried about the actor's mental state—what a beautiful mental state.]
[I knew it, this vibe suits Honkai. That dark tone from the first half of the season didn't fit.]
Aventurine collected fragments along the way, but the final piece was out of reach. He shouted to Dr. Ratio, "Professor, I need your wisdom again!"
Dr. Ratio replied quickly, "No need to yell, I can hear you. The pinball machine model is likely somewhere in the hall, like the arch. Wait, I'll be right back."
The camera shifted to Dr. Ratio's perspective. He looked at the sandbox and mused, "A fascinating device. If that noisy little figure disappeared, I'd rate it higher."
Aventurine's voice came from inside, "Hey, Ratio—I heard that!"
Dr. Ratio shook his head and went to find the pinball machine model, "Finally, some peace."
Upon finding it, he muttered, "There it is… peaceful alone time is always so fleeting."
Dr. Ratio placed the pinball machine model on the empty pedestal. The camera cut back to Aventurine.
He activated the Bubble Pinball Machine and reached the top of a building. Looking down at the entire sandbox, Aventurine exclaimed, "Ratio, you've got to see this—it's spectacular. I bet you could crush me with a pinch."
Dr. Ratio nodded, "If you consent, I'll do it immediately."
[He's so real, I'm crying.]
[Haha, the Godfather's got humor.]
[Their bickering—I could watch it forever!]
[If these two don't get married, it's hard to see how this ends!]
Soon, Aventurine solved the sandbox puzzle and opened the gate. As he returned to the arch, about to leave the sandbox, he gave it a meaningful glance. Finally, he sighed and rejoined Dr. Ratio.
Dr. Ratio shook his head, stopping Aventurine as he moved to step forward, "I'm sorry to see you leave the sandbox alive. Sunday's behind this door. In my humble opinion, he's not an easy man to deal with. Are you ready?"
Aventurine's lips curved slightly, "Hmm, I'd say he's the one who needs to prepare."
"Tell me your plan."
"No plan—just play it by ear. When dealing with people, there are only two chips: profit or fear."
"Sounds like you don't understand sincerity."
"Am I not sincere enough? No need to stress it. We'll make good use of death. His sister's dead—he won't sit still. That's fear. I'll help him catch the killer. Due to his status and position, he can't do it himself, but I can. That's profit."
Dr. Ratio glanced at Aventurine, "What makes you think he can't do it and needs to rely on an IPC adversary?"
"Simple—because the killer is likely a traitor hiding within the Family."
"…You were accusing that Ranger of the Galaxy before."
Aventurine's eyes gleamed with confidence, "That was just an excuse, Professor. That woman's off, and I need someone to keep her in check. The fewer variables outside our sight, the better. I also need to know who she is. If my good luck is real, she could be a key piece. And the more friends I have helping me, the better. But honestly, the murder probably has nothing to do with her. I stand by my view: the problem's definitely within the Family. Otherwise, why would our Mr. Sunday arrange a private meeting? This isn't a trial—it's a secret negotiation. Watch. With Robin's death as my chip, I'll win back my freedom and power. In the end, I'll topple this beautiful dream and create the grandest death. If stepping through this door brings a chance for triumph, even if the odds are near zero, I have no reason to hesitate, do I?"
Dr. Ratio crossed his arms, "What makes you think you'll win, you damn gambler?"
"Three chips are enough." Aventurine closed his eyes, then slowly opened them, "All or nothing."