After watching Black Swan depart, Welt asked, "Himeko, what do you think?"
"Her words cannot be fully trusted; there's a good deal of deliberate manipulation," Himeko analyzed rationally. "But I'm worried about the worst-case scenario: if the Dreamscape's anomaly truly exists and isn't a natural occurrence, but rather someone is pushing it from behind the scenes..."
"Then it's highly likely connected to the Clockmaker's invitation letter," Welt stated.
"Huh? How did you deduce that?" March 7th asked, looking bewildered.
Welt continued, "Setting aside extreme circumstances for now, the mastermind behind the Dreamscape's anomaly must be in opposition to the Family, which leaves only two possibilities..."
"Either someone intends to introduce external forces to seize the opportunity to shake the Family's control over Penacony; or the Family, for self-preservation, is secretly forced to seek external aid."
"But judging from the cipher in the invitation letter and the Family's reaction... the former is more probable."
Himeko then added, "This also means that the person who sent the Nameless cipher and the mastermind behind the Dreamscape's anomaly are on the same side... perhaps even the same person."
"But... that doesn't prove anything, does it? Just from the method, The Fool and the Riddler could also have done it, and hasn't the Company already successfully deciphered it?" March 7th asked, full of doubt.
Himeko smiled slightly, comforting March 7th: "Little March, don't be nervous; this is just one possibility. However, if this line of cipher isn't just a boring prank, but someone deliberately wants to invite Trailblaze to join this game, then we have even less reason to stand by and do nothing."
Just then, Welt, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, "Then let me share my discovery—unfortunately, it's bad news."
He paused, then continued, "According to reliable intelligence, some people in Penacony witnessed a tall male dressed in silver armor. I specifically inquired with the Hound Family about this and personally visited many guests who claimed to have seen this intruder..."
At this point, Welt stopped, then took out his phone and operated it. Immediately, a familiar voice came from Star's phone—Silver Wolf.
"Ahem, can you hear me? Astral Express, long time no see. Is Penacony fun?"
Star quickly pulled out her phone, only to see a Q-version Silver Wolf with crossed legs appearing on the screen. Upon seeing this, March 7th exclaimed in surprise, "This is... that hacker girl!"
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about useless things," the Q-version Silver Wolf said seriously, putting away her smile. "I know you're currently investigating the anomalies in Penacony. Actually, we're quite happy to see this happening. After all, the deeper you investigate, the more likely you are to uncover the truth behind the beautiful dream."
"The Family is hiding something, aren't they? We also have first-hand information. Now, I've decided to generously share it with everyone. It's just a pity—the wonderful holiday is coming to an end."
At this point, Silver Wolf paused, then continued, "Next, just input this code into your Dreamscape Pool, that's the device that lets people enter the Dreamscape. Once done, you can check the hidden map. The coordinates are all packaged for you, here, one-click copy is all it takes."
[Space Station Staff A: What a fool-proof program, makes me want to cry, if only downloading resources was this convenient normally]
[Fu Xuan: Stellaron Hunters are actually helping the Astral Express crew, is this what 'Slaves of Destiny' made you do?]
[Jing Yuan: So, the Stellaron Hunter—Blade, who was apprehended a few days ago, and Silver Wolf, who hacked the system...]
[Silver Wolf: Oh, General Jing Yuan's comprehension speed is truly fast.]
"And—I'm sure you've heard about Sam. Look forward to it; that guy is simple-minded, likes straightforward contests, and will definitely *get along* with you. I hope you won't be overwhelmed by his enthusiasm!"
"Oh, he asked me to tell everyone: In the inaccessible dream, the play is about to begin—come on, all factions are moving! Nameless, don't fall too far behind!" After the Q-version Silver Wolf made a cheering gesture, Star's phone returned to normal.
"These Stellaron Hunters... they even have a presence in Penacony, they're truly relentless!" March 7th said angrily.
Welt summarized, "The situation is very clear. The star of the Festival is far from as simple as it appears on the surface. Centered around the 'Clockmaker's Legacy,' various factions, including the Family, have their own agendas and are balancing each other."
"Although we don't yet know what this legacy is, it's only a matter of time before this struggle affects innocent people."
"'Molten Knight' Sam, it is said that this person is a remnant of the Glamoth Iron Cavalry, a genetically modified warrior by birth, with cognition different from ordinary people, acting decisively and leaving no room for retreat. He is a dangerous individual no less than Kafka and Blade."
"This is a threat letter. The hidden map Silver Wolf mentioned must be the sealed Dreamscape Hotel. For future considerations, we indeed need to visit the site."
"What if we're discovered?" Star asked.
"If the Family asks, we'll truthfully tell them the Trailblaze Crew is pursuing the Stellaron Hunters, and I believe they'll understand. Based on their reaction, we'll take the next step."
After listening to Welt's well-reasoned analysis, Himeko nodded, "It seems we've reached a consensus—let's go back and inform Miss Black Swan."
The few people slowly walked to the bar, where Black Swan greeted them with a smile. Her beautiful and mysterious eyes seemed to pierce through one's soul.
"Miss Black Swan, after careful consideration, the Trailblaze Crew has decided to cooperate with you. In the Remembrance Domain, a world full of unknowns, we urgently need an experienced and trustworthy guide," Himeko said firmly.
Black Swan smiled slightly, as if she had already anticipated this outcome. She responded softly, "At your command, please rest assured and leave it to me; I will not disappoint you."
Himeko looked at the others behind her:
"Star and Little March, return to your respective rooms. Prepare to enter the Dreamscape; if all goes well... we'll meet in the Dreamscape Hotel lobby."
Welt said, "I will remain in reality to ensure everyone's safety. If needed, I will also step forward to negotiate with the Family—is that alright, Miss Black Swan?"
A hint of sadness appeared on Black Swan's face as she softly mumbled, "It seems that even though I personally saved your companion, you still find it hard to trust me... Of course, it's fine, it just hurts my feelings a little."