The Trailblazer hurried through the long corridor and finally arrived at the spacious and bright lounge. However, before she could even step into the room, she heard an anxious voice: "So suspicious… How can there be such a coincidence? That woman is definitely problematic!"
Immediately after, another calm and steady voice responded: "But she did find the Trailblazer and saved her—for now, we can only listen to her demands." This voice was clearly from Himeko.
At this moment, Welt expressed his opinion: "That Recollector is clearly prepared, it's better to be cautious."
Just as everyone was discussing, Black Swan walked in front of them and softly said: "Miss Himeko, look, I have brought the child back as promised."
Seeing the Trailblazer appear safe and sound, March 7th was so excited she almost jumped. She quickly stepped forward, hugged the Trailblazer tightly, tears welling up in her eyes: "Trailblazer, are you okay! I couldn't find you in reality or in the dream, I was so worried…"
The Trailblazer gently patted March 7th's back and smiled, saying: "Don't worry, I'm fine."
After her emotions had somewhat calmed down, March 7th released the Trailblazer and turned her gaze to Black Swan standing nearby.
Seeing this, Himeko quickly introduced the Trailblazer: "It's truly wonderful that you're safe and sound! Come, let me introduce you—this is Miss Black Swan, a Recollector from the Garden of Recollection."
"Ah? So you're Himeko's friend…" The Trailblazer looked at Black Swan with a surprised expression.
At this moment, March 7th, who was nearby, shook her head and explained: "Oh no, that's not right~ Sister Himeko said that they met by chance while investigating the dream!"
Hearing this, Black Swan smiled slightly and softly responded: "Perhaps we aren't friends yet, but thanks to you, maybe we can use this opportunity to deepen our understanding of each other."
Then, everyone's gaze focused on the Trailblazer, especially Himeko, who asked with great concern: "So, Trailblazer, why did you fall into such a dangerous place? What exactly happened?"
The Trailblazer took a deep breath, then recounted her experience in detail to everyone.
Finally, Welt pondered for a moment and concluded: "So, the person who attacked you should be a woman in red, skilled in illusions, and capable of transforming into others…"
"Her name is 'Sparkle,' and she is a Masked Fools who infiltrated Penacony." Miss Black Swan said in a relaxed tone, comforting everyone: "Don't worry, that little girl probably won't bother you again for a while. She must think she's succeeded by now and is probably gloating in some corner."
"It sounds like you're quite familiar with her?" Welt asked curiously.
"Naturally, in Penacony, there's no one I don't know about. You see, everyone here can lie… Only 'Memory' is truly reliable." Miss Black Swan replied confidently.
Then, she changed the subject: "However, I think it's necessary to explain something to you all: the illusions Miss Sparkle casts can indeed make people fall into hallucinations, but the strange dream you experienced earlier has nothing to do with her. The true culprit is actually Penacony itself."
"What? Penacony… itself?" March 7th asked, her face full of shock and disbelief.
"Haven't you noticed yet? This place is called the 'Land of Dreams' by the outside world, but in reality, it's a Phantom meticulously created by the Family using some mysterious means, just a beautiful dream that has long been choreographed." Miss Black Swan explained unhurriedly.
"And that Remembrance Domain she fell into—that's what the dream originally looked like: chaotic, dangerous, mysterious... A constantly changing labyrinth inhabited by beasts of Memory."
"...She's right. Everyone, do you remember the scenery when you first entered the dream?" Himeko agreed.
The Trailblazer nodded.
"Huh, so everyone saw the same thing? I remember... then it was a guest room, and then through a mirror to a long corridor...." March 7th recalled with effort.
"'Corridor of Thoughts'—that's what the Dreamscape Hotel staff call it."
Black Swan smiled: "Don't you think these scenes are far from the Penacony in the dream... but very similar to the dream the Trailblazer described?"
Welt, who was nearby, nodded in agreement and said: "Indeed… I didn't pay much attention when I first saw it, but now that I think back, there are too many commonalities between the two."
He paused, then continued: "Moreover, I've heard from some frequent guests here that the first landing point after entering the dream should originally be the 'Dreamscape Hotel,' but due to certain unexpected factors… [the Dreamscape Hotel is currently undergoing renovations]."
"So the question is," Black Swan suddenly interjected, "under what circumstances does a building generally require large-scale renovations? And considering everything the Trailblazer just experienced, the answer is already obvious."
Black Swan revealed the mystery with a solemn expression: "Penacony's beautiful dream is gradually 'sinking,' slowly reverting to its original form… and then falling into the endless deep sea." Her voice was full of mystery.
"Sinking? Are you saying… the entire dream world is disintegrating?" March 7th asked in surprise.
"Exactly, the Dreamscape Hotel's predicament is a clear sign." Black Swan nodded affirmatively.
"Dreamseeker A: What! Does that mean the Land of Dreams is going to be destroyed?"
"Dreamseeker B: How can this be? The Family is hiding everything, we have the right to know the truth."
"Dreamseeker C: Penacony is actually so dangerous... No, I have to leave, I can't gamble with my family's life."
"...I see, that explains the inconsistencies in the Family's words." Welt suddenly understood:
"If this news were to get out, regardless of the actual safety of the guests, the reputation of The star of the Festival would inevitably be affected. With the Harmony Festival approaching, they have no choice but to conceal this matter."
Black Swan smiled and shook her head:
"The safety of the guests, perhaps even that cannot be guaranteed... Isn't the monster she encountered the best proof? Should I remind you again, it was a Memory Zone Meme…."
"How can a Memory Zone Meme of death and murder appear in a dream that the Family claims is 'absolutely safe'... In Penacony, everyone can lie, perhaps even the Old Woman herself."
"Miss Black Swan, we have a clear understanding of the situation now. Let's go back to your initial proposal....."
"May I ask what reason the Garden of Recollection has for choosing to cooperate with the Astral Express?" Himeko inquired.
"Hmm, please allow me to correct you... This is my personal request, not on behalf of the Garden of Recollection. The answer is simple, Miss Himeko, I just want to make an exchange... an exchange concerning 'Memory.'"
"Beyond my duties, I also have some... personal aesthetic pursuits. I am a Recollector, and also a collector. I also want to witness those crystal clear, brilliant and precious Memories—this idea is easy to understand, isn't it?"
"And you, the Nameless of the Astral Express, practitioners of the Path of Trailblaze... I believe in your potential, and I believe in the unique brilliance you will unleash on this stage."
"This is why I want to be friends with you all." At this point, Black Swan chuckled softly and continued: "The convergence of nightmares and beautiful dreams... it couldn't be more suitable as a cradle of 'Memory.'"
"..I understand. But before I give you an answer, we still need to have some discussion." Himeko responded with her arms crossed.
"Of course, please feel free."
Black Swan didn't mind at all, then proceeded to walk to the bar on her own, ordered a surlada, and then actively cleared the space for everyone to discuss.