106. I Still Have a Lot to Learn / 107. Even Dreams Come with a Fee...

"To be honest, my brother and I were also victims of the cancer of all worlds. We were orphans from childhood and were raised by the Family that came to provide relief. Mr. Gofei Mu saw that we had potential and brought my brother and me to Penacony."

Robin spoke up. Caelus's expression stiffened for a moment. From her words, he could tell that the siblings' original family had likely died in a Stellaron disaster. Would she distance herself from him because of his true identity? If that happened, Caelus would join the Stellaron Hunters and fight his brothers to the death.

"But we cannot stand by and watch Mr. Gofei Mu head toward opposition against Harmony. Much less can I use my song to praise an evil cause. No matter who the traitor within the Family is, no matter what orders he gives me, I will not take the stage and sing. We absolutely cannot turn the Grand Gala into a ritual that destroys Harmony."

Robin said with absolute resolve. Now she understood why someone had wanted her to participate in this Grand Gala. It was all to use the power of Harmony within her for those filthy deeds. Even if she died, Robin would never do such a thing.

"As the head of the Oak Family, I cannot shirk my duty for Penacony's bright future. Robin and I will head to the Dreamscape at once and find the Dream Master for a confrontation. If it truly is him, then he can only repay his blood debt."

Sunday spoke alongside Robin. As he spoke, he seemed eager to leave Dreamflow Reef, as though he wished to depart immediately.

"If it really is the Dream Master, he won't be easy to deal with. He has the entire Family behind him, and he has a Stellaron in his hands. I have no right to ask you to stay and risk your lives for Penacony."

Gallagher poured cold water over them. He and the Clock Keeper had hidden in Dreamflow Reef for so many years; the moment they showed themselves, they would die. How could they possibly be a match for the Dream Master? Sunday and Robin's combat power was practically nonexistent, and everyone knew how the two had made it to Dreamflow Reef.

The only ones capable of fighting were the Nameless, but as Gallagher had said, every life was precious. The Astral Express crew could leave at any time.

"We came here following in the footsteps of the Nameless who came before us. There is no reason not to continue following their path."

Himeko stated her position. Caelus really wanted to complain. Wasn't this supposed to be the Path of Trailblaze? Why was he either fighting for his life against Stellarons or on his way to fight for his life against Stellarons? Could the Star Rail Express be a branch office of the Stellaron Hunters?

"Yeah, the Nameless aren't the kind of people who back down when they run into trouble! Caelus, right?"

March 7th also spoke up. Just like before, she was scared whenever something happened, yet always the first to charge into battle. She never avoided a fight. She was practically a berserker, Little March.

"I'd give my heart for Robin!"

Caelus said as he tapped his chest. Robin's pretty face flushed faintly at his words, but she took them to heart as well. Standing against the Dream Master was not a decision just anyone could make. Caelus's unwavering declaration proved that he truly liked her. What woman could avoid being moved at a time like this?

"I hope what comes out of your mouth isn't 'for someone,' but 'for Trailblaze.'"

March 7th could not take it anymore. She stepped forward and pinched Caelus's cheek. The tense atmosphere of an impending final battle with the Dream Master instantly vanished, turning into March 7th's roast session against Caelus. She had put up with him for a long time.

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Still Have Much to Learn

"The Astral Express will not stand idly by over something like this. Mr. Sunday, Miss Robin, I am willing to represent the Star Rail Express and accompany you. With a third party present, negotiations should go more smoothly. If danger arises... having one more person is always a good thing."

Welt was still a reliable guardian. After deciding what they were going to do, he wanted to meet the Dream Master.

"The Grand Gala is about to begin. Time is already extremely tight. Everyone, we must depart."

Sunday nodded. He had no objection to Welt joining them, as long as Caelus was not coming along.

"Uncle Yang, the journey is dangerous. I'm going with you."

Caelus leaned beside Robin as he spoke. On the surface, he was worried about Welt's safety, but everyone present understood what he was really thinking. Himeko could only helplessly let him have his way.

"Robin, if you run into danger, remember to hide behind me."

Caelus said to Robin beside him. He already knew who the mastermind was, so naturally he could not let the woman he liked go alone. Although it had been confirmed that people would not die in dreams, who knew whether there might be some exception?

"Mm."

Robin responded softly. The sense of security Caelus gave her was entirely different from what her brother gave her. Since their first meeting at the hotel, her heart had gradually become tied to Caelus. It had not happened overnight; rather, he had slowly drawn her in through all sorts of means. Now they were even going to face the Dream Master together. With him by her side, Robin felt much more at ease.

"I'm going too."

Firefly could not bear to leave Caelus behind. If the Dream Master meant Caelus harm, she could protect him herself. Besides, she was not comfortable letting Caelus and Robin stay together like this. Firefly was easily jealous, after all. At least she had come first.

"Caelus, come over here for a moment."

Welt left the group and went to where the gravestone had been. Once Caelus followed him over, he explained his plan.

"You have Aventurine's contact information, right? If our talks with the Dream Master break down, send him a message and tell him that the Family has meddled with a Stellaron."

Welt spoke with a serious expression. The moment he said it, Caelus understood. The Interastral Peace Corporation was the Preservation's lapdog, and it was fundamentally opposed to things like Stellarons, which belonged to the Destruction camp. Once it was confirmed that someone in Penacony was using a Stellaron, they would have a reason to move in.

So the negotiations afterward would probably become: Mr. Dream Master, you wouldn't want the Corporation to find out about you using a Stellaron for evil deeds, would you?

"As expected of Uncle Yang. You're really good at the art of balance."

Caelus praised Welt with a thumbs-up.

"The only problem is whether Aventurine is still alive. He took that strike from Acheron, and I don't know whether the dream world protected him."

Welt said while stroking his chin. What he feared now was that Aventurine had already been reduced to ashes, making any attempt at contact meaningless.

"Don't worry. Aventurine walks the Path of Preservation. He's tough as nails. It's just uncertain whether he'll see our message."

Caelus had communicated with Aventurine inside Acheron's Void space before, so he knew Aventurine was still alive. He just did not know where that slash had sent him flying.

"You can rest assured about that. The Corporation has definitely installed all-around surveillance on his phone. As long as the message reaches him, the Corporation's people in reality will know as well."

Welt did not need Aventurine to read the message. As long as he could receive information while still in the dream, that was enough. With the way those people at the Corporation operated, they would surely leave no loose ends.

"Uncle Yang really is smart. I need to learn more from you."

Caelus looked at Welt with admiration. Sure enough, experience beat youth. Caelus had never even considered using the Corporation's power to check the Family.

"If only you put the same thought you use on chasing girls into thinking..."

Welt looked at Caelus, wanting to persuade him to turn over a new leaf and stop being cosmic scum. But when he saw Caelus's innocent eyes, he changed his mind.

"Forget it. It is a good thing for young people to follow their hearts."

Welt did not understand why Caelus was such a flirtatious child. But since he was still young, he had the right to be willful. If one could not do what one wanted while young, then one could only regret it in old age.

After settling the matter, Welt and Caelus returned to the group. This time, five people would return to the Dreamscape, while the others stayed behind with Gallagher to discuss what came next.

A blackish-purple monster covered in eyes appeared before them. It was Slumber, the Memory Zone Meme that guarded Dreamflow Reef. Its ability was to let people travel between the Dreamscape and Dreamflow Reef, but because it looked terrifying and moved rather roughly, Acheron had slashed it before. It still looked somewhat listless now.

After Caelus stared into Slumber's eyes for a while, his mind became somewhat hazy. Important memories flashed before him. Wives were waiting for him back in Belobog and the Xianzhou, so the responsibility on his shoulders could be said to be quite heavy.

When Caelus came to his senses, he found himself standing on a street in Golden Hour, with Robin and Firefly beside him.

"Are you feeling a little dazed?"

Robin looked at Caelus and asked with concern. She remembered that when Caelus first entered the dream, he had fallen at her feet. Back then, she had been the one who guided him in getting used to the dreamscape.

"I'm fine."

Caelus saw Robin's concern for him, and a happy smile appeared on his face. His efforts had paid off. He could feel that Robin was gradually beginning to like him.

"Firefly, are you alright?"

Caelus turned and looked at Firefly. Her mind seemed far tougher than his. No matter how she crossed through dreams, she never seemed to feel any discomfort.

"Mm, I'm fine."

Firefly nodded. Caelus immediately hugged her, pressing his cheek against her soft one. The sudden intimacy left Firefly at a loss, and she could only stare at him with wide eyes.

"My girlfriend is amazing."

Caelus's words left Firefly somewhat helpless. It was only praise; was such a big gesture really necessary? He was clearly using it as an excuse to take advantage of her. But Firefly liked it and was happy to let him do so.

"It's about time. We need to prepare for the audience."

Robin spoke up. On the other side, Welt and Sunday had also finished talking. The Dream Master's status was extraordinary. It was not as simple as the siblings bringing people to see him. There had to be a sense of ceremony. They first had to receive the Dream Master within the dream, report the situation, and then see whether he chose to meet them.

After all, he was the master of the Dreamscape. On any planet, he would be equivalent to a planetary governor, so it was normal for him to put on airs. Welt understood and waited where he was.

"Why are you still following us?"

Sunday's composure was nearly unable to suppress his anger. Even after being told they were going to receive the Dream Master, Caelus was still following his sister. Even glue was not this clingy.

Do Dreams Require Payment Too?

"Aren't I worried you'll run into danger along the way? Don't worry, I'll avoid you when you meet the Dream Master later."

Caelus said with a smile. Wasn't thick skin how he pursued girls? He could even ignore the disdain of the people he wanted to chase, much less that of his future brother-in-law.

"Brother, just let him come."

Robin said gently. Sunday truly felt despair. Robin only meant that they should not waste time here, but Sunday thought his sister considered Caelus more important than him. That made him want even more to put the plan he had been calculating in his heart into practice.

The group walked forward, but along the way they encountered a drunken Pipissee. He slurred words about the moon in the direction of the grand theater. Worried that something might happen to him, kindhearted Robin stopped.

"Sir, are you alright?"

Robin asked.

"Huh, it's Miss Robin and Mr. Sunday. I'm great! Look how happy I am."

A blissful smile appeared on the Pipissee's face. He was only about as tall as a human preschooler. That happiness was intoxicating. Others might not have noticed, but Caelus saw at a glance that the man's mind had already been influenced by the Stellaron's power. Yet this influence was not some hypnosis technique; it was a sweeter kind of poisoned wine.

"Happy?"

Robin asked doubtfully. She could not see anything happy about this Pipissee. He was clearly just a lonely drunkard.

"That's right. Penacony is wonderful. There are only sweet dreams, no hardship. You don't have to worry about tomorrow, and you can do whatever you want. That's what living is... hic... so comfortable!"

The Pipissee said happily, then let out a huge drunken belch. Caelus could smell the alcohol from more than ten meters away.

"Can that really be called living?"

Robin's expression grew sorrowful as she listened. This did not align with her belief that everyone should find happiness. The happiness within sweet dreams was clearly false, yet these people savored it willingly.

Robin felt a gust of wind sweep past her. Looking ahead, she saw Caelus walk up to the Pipissee, seize him by the collar of his suit, lift him up, and slap him across the face.

Smack!

"?"

The Pipissee froze. The sensation of being hit even jolted him awake from his drunken state. In dreams, getting beaten only hurt; it did not cause injury. That was one of the sweet dream's traits.

"Why did you hit me?"

The blissful look vanished entirely from the Pipissee's face as he asked in bewilderment.

"Didn't you say Penacony was great, with only sweet dreams and no hardship? Well, isn't hardship here now?"

Caelus seriously explained to the Pipissee. At first, the Pipissee felt that it made a lot of sense. He had encountered hardship in a sweet dream. How could he be having a dream like this?

"Just for that?"

The Pipissee asked in disbelief.

"Just for that."

"You... you unreasonable bastard! I'm calling the police! I'll have the Hound Family Line kick you out of the sweet dream!"

The Pipissee flew into a rage, shouting that Caelus would pay. But in truth, all he could do was jump up and punch Caelus in the knee.

"See? You're much more clearheaded now. Sweet dreams aren't actually what you think they are. You feel happy only because no one has targeted you. Now that someone has, do you still feel happy?"

As Caelus spoke, he grabbed the Pipissee again and slapped him twice more. This completely sobered him up. The Pipissee also realized he had run into a lunatic on the street. His gaze became far clearer, and he no longer called for the Hound Family Line.

"No... I'm not happy anymore."

The Pipissee answered obediently.

"There we go. You just said you didn't need to worry about tomorrow, but miracles and magic come at a price. Tell me, do you have a lifetime VIP membership at the Daydream Hotel?"

"No."

"Then have you prepared enough money for the room fees? As far as I know, things here aren't cheap. And judging by your clothes, you don't look wealthy. Can you really live happily here forever?"

Caelus asked strangely. He had been wondering about this before. Was the Family running a charity? If lodging was not free, why did these guests act like shareholders of the Interastral Peace Corporation, completely unconcerned about room fees?

"Don't... don't say it!"

Caelus's words seemed to remind the Pipissee of the most terrifying thing in the world, and he shook his head again and again.

"Let's imagine the future. When you can no longer afford the room fees, will the Family still regard you as a guest? The Family isn't a charity. At first, some loan sharks will approach you as your lifeline. Once you sign a massive repayment agreement, things will get interesting. After you spend all that money, you'll be forcibly kicked out of the sweet dream. Then you'll face enormous loans in the real world. Unable to repay them, you can only sell your organs or be sold off to a mining satellite to work until you die. You can see that future coming from a mile away."

Caelus put the Pipissee down and patted his shoulder with a sigh, like a fortune-teller.

"I don't want that! Sir, what... what should I do?"

The Pipissee was completely panicked now. Earlier, he had merely sobered up a little, but Caelus's words had now dragged him entirely back into reality. He had to admit that everything Caelus said was true. He had been avoiding that reality, but he would have to face it eventually.

"Of course, keep enjoying yourself. Didn't you like it here?"

Caelus asked the Pipissee in return, confused. Sunday and Robin beside him were both speechless. The man had been rather happy before, but after Caelus's words, anyone who could still enjoy himself had to have something wrong with his head.

"No, no, no! This place is a nightmare! I don't like it here at all anymore! I want to leave!"

With sheer will, the Pipissee broke free from the Stellaron's influence. He looked at Penacony with determined eyes and saw it as a nightmare. He did not want the future Caelus had described to come true.

"Alright. Since you hate this nightmare so much, I'll point you toward a path. Leave through the dream pool, check out at the front desk, then take the nearest interstellar flight out of here. Go find a planet called Jarilo-VI. They've been short on workers lately. I'm sure you can find respectable work there."

Caelus truly gave the Pipissee a clear path. It was really just a choice. If the Pipissee wanted pleasure first and suffering afterward, then naturally he could ignore Caelus's advice. But he apparently did not want that predetermined ending.

"Sir, you're my savior! Thank you so much!"

The Pipissee immediately accepted Caelus's suggestion. Though the road ahead remained unknown, he had broken free from his tragic future. His future now had another way forward, and the rest would be up to him.

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PS: Some people are worried I'll suddenly die from overworking while writing. It's fine. I probably won't die for now. (:∠)

Owe One, Owe One

"Caelus, how could you hit someone? Don't do that again next time."