Star Rail: Single Draw Acheron at the Start Chapter 40

"Yelp!"

Firefly flinched as if startled, grabbing Caelus with both hands and pulling him aside to prevent Robin from succeeding. But the seasoned veteran's strength was hardly that of a weak woman. Caelus felt his vision spin, and only after being flung away did his sight catch up. He flew for a while before crashing into the surrounding dilapidated buildings.

A moment later.

"It's okay, it's okay, don't cry. I'm an Envoy of Preservation, it doesn't hurt at all."

Caelus, despite being the victim, was comforting the teary-eyed Firefly. He couldn't help but feel amused. With such strength, how could she be chased around by two hounds? He could only conclude that women were born actresses.

"You're not an Envoy," Firefly said, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Soon, soon. The Aeons are watching me. I'll get a promotion and a raise in no time."

After Caelus calmed her down for a while, Firefly finally stopped crying. Caelus was touched. What a good girl to be so jealous and cry over him. He decided he had to marry her.

Chapter 103: The Brother-in-Law's Pain

Caelus glanced back at Robin, who had a suppressed smile on her face. After Caelus had taken advantage of her for so long, she finally got her revenge. After all, it didn't hurt in the dream world. This was exactly what happened when Caelus fell from the sky before.

"You wait."

Caelus mouthed the words to Robin. The little bird pretended not to know anything and walked forward slowly.

When Robin met the rest of the Star Rail Express crew, she had regained her composure as a superstar, the face of the Family. She smiled appropriately at Himeko and Welt.

"It's good to see you all again, members of the Star Rail Express. I apologize for the considerable commotion my disappearance caused."

Robin adopted a humble demeanor upon meeting them. She was the one seeking help now, and she knew that only the Star Rail Express crew could assist her.

"Since you are here... may we assume that Miss Robin is fully aware of the current situation in Penacony?"

Himeko interjected.

"Ever since I returned to Penacony, my voice became abnormal, gradually developing into the torment of voicelessness. I initially thought it was just an accident, perhaps I was unaccustomed to the high Memory Matter concentration of Asdana after living abroad for so long. I regret that the Family has a traitor. He... or they, abandoned their original beliefs and, in the name of Harmony, exploited human weaknesses, turning Penacony into a festival star immersed in illusory dreams. A world that has lost equality is destined to no longer be favored by Harmony, and its blessed voice... naturally cannot sing anymore."

Robin replied to Himeko with words she had once told Caelus, adding details from her solo investigation in Dreamflow Reef.

"Regardless, I cannot accept my homeland moving towards the opposite of Harmony in Harmony's name. To understand why the Clock Keeper Mikhail broke ties with the Family, and who exactly made the decision to betray them..."

As Robin spoke, she looked at the Star Rail crew's new friend, Mikhail. They had already spoken, and facing the precarious situation in Penacony, Robin had made her choice.

"Mr. Mikhail, do you remember our deal? It's time for me to give my answer."

"I am willing to give up and no longer appear on the stage of the Grand Gala."

Robin's decision required great courage. Outsiders could not understand what it meant to set aside one's responsibilities.

March 7th looked at Caelus with a knowing gaze, implying what would happen if the Grand Gala didn't proceed. Caelus returned a "How should I know?" look before going over and taking Robin's right hand.

"With me here, no one will make things difficult for you."

Caelus didn't know what price Robin would have to pay, but he could make Robin smile and ease her heart. That was a lover's duty.

Mikhail nodded and led them to a place. His duty was to be a tomb keeper, and he had gravestones to tend to. On a platform with a wide view, three rectangular gravestones were carved into the ground.

"You should all be familiar with the names on these gravestones," Mikhail said.

"Lazarina, and... Tirnan Lu Yi Qi Yin [^ Four] Ba."

Welt glanced at them. The three gravestones were not far apart and could be seen at a glance. Both the left and right stones had names carved into them, but the middle one was blank.

"It was Pom-Pom who asked us to find the Nameless seniors, but we're too late,"

March 7th whispered to Caelus. Firefly and Robin, as outsiders, understood that the people on the gravestones were the Nameless from the Trailblaze era.

"In the days when Penacony was still called the Frontier Prison, it was the Trailblaze that connected it to the stars. They are all heroes who saved Asdana, and their names should be etched on the monument of time, not on these small stones."

Mikhail explained that it was clearly the Trailblaze Aeon who arrived here, establishing contact with other planets. Otherwise, it would have been a one-way channel for the Corporation and the prison.

"However, now, the Festival Star is left with only dreams. The heavy history, like that prison... is long gone without a trace."

"Their names are carved on the tombstones, which means..."

Robin looked at Caelus, wanting to know his thoughts on the seniors' passing. Caelus's expression was calm. Of course, he had no particular feelings. He wasn't an unfeeling person, but when facing seniors he didn't know, he only felt respect, not sadness. If he were to cry uncontrollably at this moment, it would only mean he was an excellent actor.

For the first time, Robin proactively held Caelus's hand. After all, it concerned his seniors, and the little bird hoped he wouldn't be too sad.

"According to Mr. Mikhail, they passed away a long time ago,"

Himeko said, feeling sad and disappointed. If she could have communicated with the former Nameless, she could have gained valuable experience.

"Lazarina sacrificed herself during the War of Independence. To understand the flow of Memory Matter, she piloted a shuttle alone into the center of the galaxy and never returned."

"Tirnan was a cowboy who was skilled with firearms, powerful and reliable. He led people through a brutal war against outsiders but couldn't hold on until peace truly arrived."

Mikhail explained how the two had died. Robin was somewhat surprised to hear this. If Mikhail was correct, both of them were benefactors of Penacony today. She and her brother were able to be born here, thanks to them.

"Then what about this empty gravestone?" Himeko asked, looking at the unmarked tombstone.

"When Dreamflow Reef was born, its owner had not yet passed away. But that person insisted that there would come a day, and insisted on erecting a blank tombstone for himself."

Mikhail hadn't finished speaking when another voice chimed in. Everyone turned to see Gallagher arriving, with Sunday by his side.

"Robin!"

Sunday was overjoyed to see his sister. But when he saw his sister's hand clasped with Caelus's, he felt something shatter inside him. His expression gradually contorted, and then he strode over with an unrecognizably furious gait and shoved Caelus away.

Caelus stumbled from the push. His brother-in-law really packed a punch. Sunday had pushed hard against his chest, but luckily, Sunday wasn't the combat type, so his strength wasn't overwhelming.

"Brother."

Robin called out, her gaze fixed on Caelus. Sunday's heart skipped a beat, fearing Caelus might get hurt. If Caelus holding Robin's hand was forced, then Robin's attention shifting away from him meant she was acting of her own accord. Instantly, his heart turned cold, and he felt his life had lost all meaning.

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Chapter 104: Still a Stellaron

"I'm glad you're alright."

All of Sunday's excitement was directed at Caelus. When facing Robin, his expression returned to calm. He had only lost his composure when he discovered Robin had been lured away by a man.

"Brother Sunday, you're still... Fine, how did you get here?"

Although Caelus was pushed by his brother-in-law, he didn't show any resentment. He still cheerfully approached Sunday and said. To be honest, he felt a little guilty. He had just wanted to get closer to Robin while his brother-in-law wasn't around, but he was caught red-handed.

"Gallagher stabbed me. I thought I was really going to die."

Sunday glanced at Caelus and explained. He hadn't intended to acknowledge Caelus, but since Robin also wanted to know how he got there, he had no choice but to say.

"Old Gal, that's not right. How could you stab my big brother?"

Caelus was quite used to being stabbed, after all, he had been stabbed all the way from Belobog.

Gallagher stroked the beard on his chin. He was called Old Gal when he was only a teenager, which felt rather unaccustomed, but his appearance seemed fitting.

"Who's your big brother!"

Sunday shouted excitedly. Some things you could tolerate, and some you couldn't. Caelus had already called him "big brother," so how could he stand it?

"Brother, don't be angry, brother. Remember when we encountered difficulties at the front desk? You stepped up to help us, and I remembered you then. I'm someone who repays kindness, and I secretly vowed to recognize you as my lifelong big brother."

Caelus earnestly explained to Sunday why he wanted to recognize him as his big brother. Sunday's chest heaved with anger, and the wings on his head seemed about to explode. Yet, Caelus's words made perfect sense and were righteous. One couldn't scold someone who repays kindness.

March 7th glared at Caelus from the side, her eyes clearly conveying: You weren't recognizing a big brother, you were lusting after Robin, you scoundrel.

"Pfft..."

Robin couldn't help but laugh seeing Sunday's expression, as if he wanted to devour Caelus but couldn't. Her brother now seemed more human, with normal human emotions.

"?"

Sunday looked at his sister in confusion. Had Robin just sided with an outsider and laughed at him? Shouldn't she, as his sister, stand up for him? What did this mean?

"Mr. Gallagher went to great lengths to gather the Patriarch, the Star Rail Express, and the Stellaron Hunters in one place. I assume he has something important to convey?"

Welt felt that if Caelus continued speaking, Sunday might just die of anger in his dream. So, he directly steered the conversation and asked Gallagher.

"Hahaha, Mr. Welt is correct. It is indeed time to be open and honest."

Gallagher smiled and nodded.

"Before we begin, let me reintroduce myself—the founder of Dreamflow Reef, the deputy of the Clock Keeper, and the one who sent that invitation, Fictional Historian Gallagher, greets you all."

"Well, you fictional historian! So, everything you told us before was made up?"

March 7th said, hands on her hips. Even she understood the meaning of this title. Wasn't it just talking nonsense?

"Most of it is true. I'm just a teenager; how could I lie to you?" Gallagher said sincerely.

"Suddenly, I have a sense of déjà vu."

March 7th's eyelids twitched. She looked at the person beside her who always claimed to be an innocent child. That guy didn't know how many girls he had deceived with that innocent facade.

"The answer is actually very simple, and you are all very familiar with it. The root of everything is the Stellaron."

Gallagher didn't beat around the bush and explained directly. Hearing this, Caelus was no longer sleepy. He hadn't expected that after all this, it would still be about the Stellaron. However, the difference was that before Gallagher mentioned the word, they had never thought it would be related to a Stellaron.

"A Stellaron? Penacony is a hub with unimpeded, far-reaching interstellar connections. It shows no signs of pollution. How could it be related to a Stellaron?"

Welt expressed his doubts appropriately. The Star Rail Express was also an expert in sealing Stellaron, not to mention there was a Stellaron Hunter nearby. Even Robin didn't know there was a Stellaron here.

"You are absolutely correct. So, why don't you guess what that means?"

Gallagher retorted. Welt fell silent. This was a case of abnormality breeding suspicion. The Stellaron disaster in Penacony was more severe than in the previous two places they had visited.

"Stellarons can cooperate with intelligent life forms at times; they don't necessarily have to aim to destroy everything."

Caelus spoke up at this moment, and Gallagher looked at him with admiration.

"As expected, you are the one who understands Stellarons the most among those present."

"Do I? It feels like I've been dealing with Stellarons since I gained consciousness. How does that saying go? It hurts the most when the knife comes from your own people."

Caelus shrugged, not hiding his identity. In fact, everyone here, except Robin, knew his background. And it was hard to say whether Robin knew or not. For her sister's sake, Sunday would definitely tell Robin that Caelus was a Stellaron, urging her to stay away from him.

"Beautiful dreams aren't created out of thin air. If we liken a Memory Zone to the sea, building a land of dreams is like filling in land in the surging ocean."

Gallagher nodded and continued. Those present didn't know much about Memory Matter studies. If Black Swan were here, she would probably understand, but that wasn't the main point.

"To achieve this feat, unless it's the work of a Memory or a mysterious Envoy, the only way is to use a Stellaron."

"And this isn't something you can achieve by simply making a wish. It requires a considerable amount of knowledge, plus a large amount of time and manpower, to do it so flawlessly. With that said, you should understand by now."

"The current Star of the Festival is the Stellaron disaster of Asdana."

Gallagher's explanation surprised the train crew. They hadn't dealt with a Stellaron disaster of such a large scale before.

Gallagher then explained the situation in detail. After the Clock Keeper and his group led the prison to win the war of independence, the real suffering had just begun. Simply fighting wars was useless. Countless people needed food and drink, but this was clearly outside the scope of the Trailblaze Path.

At this time, some people began to covet the Stellaron. The Stellaron arrived in Asdana during the war. Others did not know its danger, but the old Nameless did. Under their appeals, everyone sealed it away. This was because the conditions here were not suitable for sealing a Stellaron, and it was fortunate that the Stellaron was in a dormant state and did not awaken to cause trouble.

Chapter 105: For Robin

If the old Nameless were still around, they could indeed hold the situation together. However, as Gallagher had mentioned before, two of the three Nameless were dead, and the remaining Clock Keeper was spread too thin. He couldn't possibly pay attention to the Stellaron's movements amidst internal strife and external threats.

As a result, when the Clock Keeper returned from an expedition, he discovered that the Family from the Montor system, whom he had recruited as allies, was willing to help him build Penacony. He was naturally overjoyed, unaware that this ally was the very one who would stab him in the back. He had been kept in the dark the entire time.

The Stellaron had long been activated by the Family and had infiltrated Asdana's primordial dreamscape. The Family then helped the Clock Keeper quell the internal rebellion and joined the construction of Penacony under the banner of Harmony, eventually becoming the five great families of today.

However, secrets couldn't be kept forever. The Clock Keeper eventually learned what the Family was doing with the Stellaron. Unfortunately, his forces were no match for the Family, so he could only create the Dreamflow Reef region and hide there, hoping that one day someone would see through the Family's scheme.

As for what the Family's scheme was, enjoying beautiful dreams came at a price. The lives of those who entered the dream would be absorbed by the Stellaron to nourish the dreamscape, creating a cycle. This was quite in line with the Stellaron's nature of being an enemy to intelligent life.

"If that's the case, where is the Stellaron now?"

Himeko sighed after hearing the story, but the most pressing matter was still to seal the Stellaron. They had to find it first.

"That would be something to ask that kid with the wings. The Stellaron has always been under the Family's control, and he's the pride of the Oak Family. He definitely knows everything."

Gallagher looked at Sunday and said. After talking for so long, it was time for someone from the Family to appear, otherwise, he wouldn't have brought Sunday here.

"It... is the Penacony Grand Theater itself."

Sunday said after a moment of silence. His internal struggle was not wanting his sister to know that he had covered for the Family. At this moment, he clearly felt his sister's gaze filled with sadness.

"As expected. The embodiment of the Family, the first building to appear in the beautiful dream. It is the culprit behind Penacony becoming this way."

Robin's voice was tinged with sadness. Not only did she learn that the Family that raised her was a traitor to Penacony, but she also learned of the things her brother had done behind her back.

Caelus took advantage of Robin's sadness and came to her side, secretly holding her hand. Feeling the warmth in his hand, Robin glanced at him. Even her brother had learned to lie. The only person she could probably trust was this man who had been making her happy.

"The one who used the Stellaron to accomplish all this... is likely Mr. Gofei Mu, the current Dream Master."

Sunday said through gritted teeth. Half of him hated the Dream Master, and the other half hated Caelus. If it weren't for the Dream Master causing all this trouble, why would his sister look down on him? What disgusted him the most was being taken advantage of by a man. A woman was most easily deceived when she was sad, and her mental state had collapsed.

"The Dream Master is always elusive, and even the Family Heads rarely see him. Moreover... Mr. Gofei Mu has been kind to my sister and me. I truly do not wish to face such a result."

Sunday took a deep breath and shifted his attention away from his sister and Caelus. If this continued, he would really lose control and attack. He would attack now.