"So… so this is the real reason I can't sing?"
"The shadow over Penacony, even our very wishes…"
Sunday was hurting too, but still had to explain to his sister.
"We were never children of Harmony. The paradise we dreamed of should never have been created by Xipe."
"The happiness of all should not be decided by a Aeon…"
"Through law, humanity builds society."
"Through Harmony, we embrace Order."
--------------------------------------
With the appearance of the Order Ena, many of the viewers' lingering questions were finally answered at this moment.
In the live stream of the Kafka Film Review Group, Teacher Rion let out a sigh.
"The invitation from the Express crew was sent by The Watchmaker, that is, Mikhail."
"It was to invite his own kin to fight against the villains hiding in Penacony, those who are plotting against the Stellaron."
"And Sunday and the Dream Master are exactly the ones scheming for the Stellaron, whose essence remains elusive and deliberately hidden."
"At the beginning of the story, actually, everyone was already inside the plan of Sunday and the Dream Master."
"The Watchmaker's invitation brought a variable to Penacony, but in essence, it was also resolved by them."
After Rion finished speaking, the viewers in the livestream raised their doubts.
...
"Rion, how can you tell everything is under control?"
"Yeah, yeah, I don't see it."
"Please explain, Teacher."
...
Seeing the barrage of questions, Rion didn't hold back, sat up straight and said, "Even the countdown of the Charmony Festival is a clear unit of measure."
"To use a game analogy, the players — the protagonists — have one major goal, which is to resolve the threat of Sunday and the Dream Master before the Charmony Festival is held."
"But now it seems, there's not enough time."
"Also, due to the high-pressure environment, The Watchmaker's faction — who logically should be on the protagonists' side — couldn't directly tell the Nameless the truth for various reasons."
"As a result, a lot of time was wasted in the search for the truth."
After she finished speaking, the comment section lit up again.
"So basically, the Express crew hasn't accomplished anything all this time?"
"Come to think of it, yeah — the biggest mysteries were explained through the story development, like Sunday's dark turn, and some hints from the Gallagher."
"Actually, the Express crew currently only knows the true identity of The Watchmaker, and the only one who knows the truth — Welt — is now in trouble."
...
Rion nodded and calmly said:
"Seems like it, but what the Express crew has gained should be a setup for later, and there are indeed ways to break the deadlock."
"Don't forget, this is the world of Honkai. Facing an activated Stellaron, it's a matter of whether the Express crew has the power to suppress it."
"In other words, it's a test of whether the boss is ready for a showdown."
This time, before the viewers could ask more questions, Miss Yun also curiously asked:
"But isn't Robin really important to the Charmony Festival? If she refuses to sing, wouldn't that affect the plot?"
"I don't think so."
Rion shook her head, carefully recalled the available information, and said:
"The currently revealed intel is very clear — the Stellaron is the Grand Theater, and for the Dream Master and Sunday to gain control of the Stellaron, they need the Charmony Festival and Robin's performance."
"But based on how tightly the Dream Master and Sunday are guarding Robin, this may not be their only method."
"They should have a backup plan."
Miss Yun, who had always only been sensitive to the arts, suddenly had a flash of insight upon hearing this.
"No wonder it has to be the Charmony Festival. Controlling or activating the Stellaron likely requires the power of many people, as well as certain individuals with special abilities, right?"
"That's also why the entire plotline is progressing according to the timing of the upcoming Charmony Festival."
After Miss Yun finished, the audience felt the story threads became clearer, but at the same time, the plot also seemed more dangerous.
...
: Feels like everything is under the Dream Master's control.
: This plot is written so well. It's much longer than the Xianzhou arc, but the foreshadowing is also really satisfying.
: It makes me worry this battle might be the beginning of a 'destruction' event — I'm seriously afraid someone will die!
: Don't even say it — Aventurine's fate is still unknown. Saying anything too certain feels ominous.
.....
"It's not as grim as you think."
Looking at the comments, Rion cheerfully said:
"The Express crew's trump card may be related to Mikhail's legacy, or perhaps to Acheron, or even the IPC. Don't forget, Welt still has Aventurine's coin with him, and it might be a tracker."
"These could all be ways to break the situation."
Thanks to the joint efforts of Rion and Miss Yun, many viewers' questions were answered, and some who had doubts even found clarity and became more engaged.
The Dream Master and Sunday who seem to have everything under control, the Express crew's hidden setups, not to mention the IPC, Acheron, and the efforts of Dan Heng and Boothill still operating outside — none of them have acted yet.
This made the audience even more excited for what's to come.
Just as everyone eagerly expected the final showdown to begin, the scene shifted from Welt's side to another side.
The moment when Welt parted ways with the Express crew.
On Himeko's end, she offered another explanation.
"The Stellaron is crucial, and this is the enemy's home turf. We have very few chips we can play — it's better to go on the offensive."
Hearing Himeko's words, Firefly, Gallagher, Stelle, and March 7th all fell silent.
While Welt went to negotiate through dialogue, they would go straight to the Grand Theater to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
"That's right. As long as it threatens the Stellaron, whether through negotiation or combat, we'll have a chance to gain the upper hand."
Firefly touched her chin.
As Stelle SAM, she once again voiced a mature opinion completely different from her youthful appearance.
"But here's the problem: the Grand Theater must be heavily guarded right now. How can we break in?"
Himeko raised the question again.
For a moment, silence fell over the scene.
No one could come up with a good idea right away.
Just then, a rather unexpected voice broke the silence.
"Huh… no one's speaking?"
"Then I'll raise my hand!"
March 7th coughed and said, "Here's the thing—the Charmony Festival will have a talent audition event to warm up the crowd before it begins, something like the 'SoulGlad Festival Preliminary Round,' and it'll be held right on site."
"And if we pass the preliminaries, we can get into the Grand Theater way earlier than the audience!"
This unexpected approach made everyone see March 7th in a new light.
Though it sounded a bit absurd, on second thought, it actually seemed doable.
"Mr. Gallagher, will you come with us?"
After setting the plan, Stelle turned to him.
"No, I'm too old."
Gallagher crossed his arms and said calmly, "I'm afraid I don't have time. As a historian, I've already completed my final task. Whether Penacony wakes from the dream is up to you now."
"That's okay. When you have time, we'd love for you to join us aboard the Express."
Himeko expressed her understanding and sincerely invited Mikhail's comrade.
"I will."
Gallagher nodded slightly.
...
: Damn, Gallagher's not about to get killed, is he?
: Don't do this! I really like this old guy!
: But Himeko invited him aboard and he agreed. If he can get on, maybe he'll become a party member!
: He is Mikhail's buddy, after all!
: Phew, looks like this scene was just to show us Himeko's plan. Seems like it's working.
: Once this flashback ends, we should be preparing to rescue Welt!
: I can't rest easy until Welt's back with the Express crew....
After switching perspectives.
Gallagher's words left the audience a bit worried.
But Himeko's plan also gave them hope of saving Welt.
After all, this reliable elder had recently fallen into unknown danger.
Just as everyone was hoping for a daring rescue by the Express crew—
The screen went black.
And when it lit up again, Explosive music was already playing.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Festival Showdown!"
Dazzling lights.
Thumping beats.
It looked exactly like a rave scene.
The four ladies were already surrounded by a crowd of reporters.
"Can I get an exclusive interview? Just a quick one!"
"As the final contestants, how confident are you in beating the others?"
"The road ahead is full of hardship! Fight for the crown!"
"Blades and roses! Protect the innocent! Protect the innocent! Bold and brave!"
"Knight's head is hard, be stubborn, even if we don't win, we won't back down!"
Aside from the reporters looking for interviews,
There were also journalists from different Paths.
Though names weren't shown, from their remarks, the audience easily recognized Paths like Hunt, Beauty, Elation, and more.
In this cheerful atmosphere, March 7th and Stelle proudly puffed out their chests.
"We're stars too!"
Soon, the two undercover dragons were basking in the praise of the reporters.
The audience was dumbfounded.
...
: What the hell! Bro! Welt is dying next door and you're having the time of your life?!
: On one side, a storm is brewing; on the other, disco balls are spinning. The contrast is insane.
: Damn, I'm starting to suspect March 7th is a Follower of Aha acting as an undercover agent.
: This scene versus the last one is hilarious, holy hell.
: Honestly, it's joyful, and that's not a bad thing. I mean—HAHAHAHA I'M LOSING IT!
: Damn it, laughing at a time like this. Just wait, when you're crying later, there won't be a place for it. Someone! Beat up this Joy brat for me!
...
The extreme contrast had the viewers who were just full of gloom now laughing their guts out.
They were still worried, of course.
But what could they do—the scene was already playing.
They could only laugh while still worrying about Welt.
After a round of warm-up, the four split into teams and entered the Festival Preliminaries.
The audience, caught in a whirlwind of tension and humor, hadn't yet realized just how chaotic the next part of the story would be.
At that moment, the scene focused on the team of Stelle and Firefly.
As soon as they stepped through the door, they heard a loud shout:
"Festival Main Stage! If you've got the spark, bring it here!"
"Contestants, step onto the stage and move the judges with your heartfelt performance! Penacony's next Galactic Star—could be you!"
Stelle and Firefly slowly stepped onto the stairs.
A waiter approached, beginning a formal introduction.
Simply put, next, they needed to follow the script to deliver their performance and ultimately gain the judges' approval to pass.
To the viewers watching the show, this was an experience of acting within a play.
It made them extremely curious as well.
Even the life-and-death situation of Welt had been completely forgotten.
And at the end, the waiter said seriously: "By the way, the highest score for this round was set by a red-haired contestant. His superb acting brought even the harshest judge to tears, who highly praised him by saying…"
"Not! Acting! At! All!"
In the end, this was the line delivered under the waiter breath.
But combined with the scene, it was utterly ridiculous.
Meanwhile, Firefly clearly hadn't encountered something like this before. She gave an awkward laugh: "Ha, hahaha, the situation's urgent. Let's wrap this up quickly, Stelle."
There were just too many cringe points.
Many viewers couldn't hold it in anymore.
They didn't even know where to start ridiculing it.
As Stelle and Firefly officially began their performance, the judge also started explaining.
"Imagine you were inspired by the trailblazers and came to Penacony, only to find it completely different from what The Watchmaker described. It's full of yellow sand, and just a few steps in, you'll run into a Memory Zone meme baring its teeth at you."
"So, what kind of line would express your disappointment?"
The judge explained seriously.
Stelle listened earnestly.
After a brief thought, Stelle smiled, showing off her big white teeth excitedly: "This is great! I love thrilling lives!"
"Huh?"
Firefly looked shocked: "Wait, no, you're supposed to act disappointed—why are you this (enthusiastic) happy?"
"Excellent!"
But the judge's eyes lit up, turning to Firefly: "Even though you're disappointed, your partner is excited! Now, young lady, you would say…"
"Ah?"
Firefly's eyes widened as she instinctively looked around, only to confirm the judge was indeed addressing her.
She didn't understand why the sudden spotlight was on her.
Even more confused about how she suddenly had to act.
Under pressure, Firefly nervously clenched her fists to her chest and forced a stiff smile."Th-That's great! I love this... ex-exciting kind of life!"
Her robotic smile, paired with a stammered delivery, made the audience burst into uncontrollable laughter.
...
: Damn, I'm laughing my ass off!
: So many jokes in the plot, this part is hilarious!
: Mihoyo, why would you place such a ridiculous comedy scene right after Welt's heart-wrenching moment?!
: Firefly is too cute, that little face, that little speech delivery, I can't.
: Looks like Firefly really can't act, so everything she said to Stelle before must've been genuine emotion.
: Damn, MiHoYo, you really know how to ship—count me in on this pairing.
: Watching Firefly and Stelle act like a couple—why am I dreaming this? But I love it.
: Bros, I wasn't even laughing at first, but the thought of Stelle and Firefly laughing it up here while Welt is still getting wrecked by Sunday and the Dream Master... I couldn't help but laugh too.
: Top-tier jokesters, no doubt.
...
The contrast between scenes.
Because of Welt's earlier storyline, this already hilarious scene became even funnier.
And even a bit dark.
Unknowingly, it had already turned into an ironic comedic act.