Arc 16Penacony’s Dreaming Chaos

Theresa and Himeko returned to the Astral Express, then joined the crew’s visit to Penacony, where Theresa disrupted the Family’s schemes and uncovered Liu Ying’s identity and goal. The arc ended with Theresa’s Dr. Ratio meme virus overrunning the dreamscape and Himeko fleeing with Sunday and Ms. Nightingale.

  • Theresa and Himeko returned to the Astral Express, where Theresa evolved the Oath of Judah into the Oath of Binding and upgraded Himeko’s Jizo Mitama.
  • The crew traveled to Penacony, where Theresa met Acheron in the dreamscape and helped Pam create a doll body that could accompany them.
  • Theresa used Dr. Ratio dolls to get the crew past hotel security, and Sunday arranged a Supreme Suite for her after she revealed knowledge of Penacony’s coming third Envoy.
  • Theresa healed Ms. Nightingale’s scar and throat, while Sunday upgraded the crew’s rooms and gave them an Oak Family seal.
  • Theresa restrained Acheron’s Nihility corrosion, then used Doctor Edward’s device to create a Dr. Ratio meme-virus dream bubble.
  • Theresa transformed Sparkle and spread the Dr. Ratio virus through Penacony, then revealed that Liu Ying was a Stellaron Hunter seeking the Stellar Core beneath the Grand Theatre.
  • Welt and Himeko fought the Dr. Ratio horde, while Sunday and Ms. Nightingale fled through Family territory with Himeko, who warned that her Erosion authority could erase everyone.
Chapters 376–400 Vol. 4 Read

Ch. 376The Return Begins

Theresa revived Cangxuan, Danzhu, and Cheng Lixue, then prepared to leave Earth with Himeko after removing the Imaginary Energy tidal belt around the Solar System. She entrusted Vita and Kiana’s group with protecting Earth as it opened to the universe, and returned with Himeko to the night aboard the Astral Express.

  • Theresa accelerated the incubation chambers and helped the Herrscher of Sentience reunite Cangxuan, Danzhu, and Cheng Lixue with their new bodies.
  • Hua welcomed Cheng Lixue, while Mobius and the revived Servants of the Flame reunited with Cangxuan and Danzhu.
  • Theresa told Vita that she and Himeko would leave, asked Vita to work with Kiana and the others to protect Earth, and created a giant Aeon of Binding statue at the South Pole.
  • Theresa removed the Imaginary Energy tidal belt surrounding the Solar System and sent a small statue to Vita to share her farewell with everyone.
  • Theresa and Himeko opened a spacetime portal and returned to the night aboard the Astral Express.

Ch. 377Pam's Shock

Theresa and Himeko returned to the Astral Express, received their settlement rewards, and transformed the Oath of Judah into the Oath of Binding. The next morning, Pam summoned the crew after a strange surge in the train engine’s Trailblaze Power.

  • Theresa and Himeko returned to Theresa’s room aboard the Astral Express and relaxed together after their long trip.
  • The System rewarded Theresa with an Equipment Evolution Voucher, Joy Points, and the Great Summoning Technique or the title King of Shenanigans.
  • Theresa used the voucher to evolve the Oath of Judah into the Oath of Binding, then spent 300,000 Joy Points to upgrade Himeko’s Jizo Mitama.
  • Theresa and Himeko went to sleep, but Pam’s broadcast woke them the next morning to report a huge surge in the engine’s Trailblaze Power.
  • Theresa joined March 7th and Stelle after Pam called the crew to discuss the engine, while Stelle’s dream made March 7th blush and smack her butt.

Ch. 378Theresa's Little Gift

Theresa helped Himeko become the complete Herrscher of Erosion, and Himeko revealed her beautiful nine-tailed fox form to the Express Crew. At breakfast, Theresa gave the crew thoughtful gifts, while Pam’s planned meeting about something strange that had happened to him was forgotten.

  • March 7th greeted the awakened Express Crew, and Yue'er and Welt noticed the change in Himeko’s aura.
  • Himeko announced that Theresa had made her the complete Herrscher of Erosion, and Welt explained the danger of her powers.
  • Theresa assured the crew that Himeko would not misuse her abilities, and Himeko transformed into a nine-tailed fox as the others admired and touched her tails.
  • Pam called everyone to breakfast and mentioned that something strange had happened to him, but Theresa’s gifts soon distracted the crew.
  • Theresa gave Himeko Spiritual Energy coffee beans, Pam a comfortable bed, and Welt a collector’s edition Alahato model.

Ch. 379Pam's Confusion

Theresa gave the crew new outfits, and they gathered in the parlor car to discuss the Express's unexpected surge in Trailblaze Power. Pam was left puzzled about what caused it, while the others suspected Theresa but did not press her.

  • Theresa handed new outfits to Yinyueyue, March 7th, and Stelle, and the three went to change.
  • March 7th photographed Yinyueyue in her new dress, and everyone praised the new outfits.
  • Pam said the Express had mysteriously gained enough Trailblaze Power for at least five more warps and asked the crew what had happened.
  • The crew described their activities from the previous night, while Theresa played coy and the others avoided revealing what they knew.
  • Pam remained confused, while Himeko and Welt exchanged knowing smiles and let Theresa keep her secret.

Ch. 380March 7th and Himeko's Envy

The Astral Express crew prepared to travel to Penacony, where they would enjoy a vacation while keeping an eye out for clues about three Stellaron Hunters who had left the train there thousands of years earlier. The chapter ended with March 7th envying Theresa and the others for not needing to prepare menstrual products.

  • Pam warned the passengers about Penacony's high memoria concentration, the Family's rules, and the request to investigate three Stellaron Hunters who had disembarked there.
  • Himeko explained Penacony's history and said the former hunters were Tielnan, Ragwok Mikhail, and Lazarina.
  • Theresa, Welt, and the others agreed to watch for clues during their visit without turning the vacation into a forced search.
  • Theresa, Himeko, Stelle, and Yinyueyue joked that they did not need periods, while March 7th envied them and Himeko sympathized.

Ch. 381Turning into Kiana Cat to Tease Acheron!

Theresa and Himeko read the Family's invitation and arrived in Penacony's dreamscape with Stelle and March 7th. Theresa transformed into Kiana Cat and prepared to tease Acheron, who was immediately captivated by her.

  • Theresa and Himeko read the Family's invitation while Yinyueyue chose to stay on the train and finish entering Xianzhou information into the databank.
  • Himeko and March 7th packed their belongings, and the Astral Express warped toward Penacony as the passengers entered its memoria space.
  • Stelle woke in a hotel-like dream room, where Acheron explained that it was a boundary between reality and dreams.
  • Theresa transformed into Kiana Cat, with Himeko in mascot form on her shoulder, and set off to tease Acheron.
  • Acheron and Stelle encountered Theresa, and Acheron stared at her in amazement, feeling powerfully drawn to her.

Ch. 382Kiana is Truth!

Theresa disguised herself as Kiana and teamed up with Himeko and Stelle to tease Acheron, but Acheron’s other personality, Mei, turned the tables and joined in playing with the catlike Theresa. After Theresa changed back, Acheron forgot what had happened and offered to lead them out.

  • Theresa, disguised as Kiana, introduced herself and Himeko to Acheron while Stelle joined their silly group introduction.
  • Theresa acted cute as a catgirl, making Acheron get a nosebleed before Acheron suddenly hugged her.
  • Theresa pinned Acheron against a wall, but Acheron transformed into Mei and pinned Theresa in return.
  • Theresa turned into a white cat and escaped onto Acheron’s head, but Stelle tackled her and joined Mei in petting her.
  • Theresa changed back, covered for the incident by telling Acheron she had caught her from falling, and Acheron led the group toward the exit.

Ch. 383Leaving the Dream World

Acheron guided Theresa, Stelle, and Himeko through the Dream World, where Theresa used golden dream bubbles to walk along walls and the group encountered corrupted Dream Troupe and Echoes. Acheron showed them the way out, and the three returned to the carriage, though Acheron was unsure whether she would remember them.

  • Acheron showed Theresa, Stelle, and Himeko how golden dream bubbles let them walk on walls, and Theresa led them along the hotel walls.
  • Acheron defeated the Dream Troupe with her scabbard and explained that the Echoes nearby were fragments of events from the real world.
  • Theresa, Stelle, and Himeko watched several Echoes, including Silver Wolf and Sam, Sparkle and Black Swan, and a boy welcoming them to the Daydream Hotel.
  • Acheron told the group how to leave the Dream World and admitted she might not remember them after waking.
  • Theresa led Stelle and Himeko through the doorway, and the three returned to the carriage in the real world.

Ch. 384Pam Used an Alt Account to Join the Adventure!

The Express crew arrived at the Daydream Hotel on Penacony, where Stelle insisted on joining the adventure despite feeling unwell. Theresa devised a way for Pam to explore through a doll, and began transferring a strand of his consciousness into it.

  • The train arrived at the Daydream Hotel, and March 7th, Himeko, and Welt admired the enormous entrance and heard about Penacony’s dreamscape.
  • Theresa warned that Penacony had hidden schemes beneath its festive appearance, while Stelle said she could not remember her dream and admitted her head hurt.
  • Pam suggested Stelle remain on the train, but Stelle refused to miss the journey, and Himeko reassured her that her companions would help.
  • Theresa offered to place a strand of Pam’s consciousness inside a Pam doll so he could accompany the crew, and Pam eagerly agreed.
  • Theresa activated a Herrscher of Sentience Authority ticket, causing Pam’s perspective to split as part of his consciousness moved into the doll in March 7th’s arms.

Ch. 385Arrival at the Daydream Hotel

Pam tested his doll clone’s shared perspective, while Yinyueyue chose to stay aboard the Astral Express. The others arrived at the Daydream Hotel, where Theresa’s suitcase of Dr. Ratio dolls concealed a memetic trap.

  • Pam discovered that he could experience the doll clone’s perspective and synchronize its stored memories with his own.
  • Yinyueyue said she would remain on the train to organize the Xianzhou databank and adjust to her body.
  • Himeko, Welt, March 7th, Stelle, and Theresa teleported to the Daydream Hotel, leaving Yinyueyue to watch over the train.
  • Welt explained the Pepeshi and Screwllum’s mechanical lifeforms to the others as they entered the hotel’s security line.
  • Theresa revealed that her suitcase was packed with Dr. Ratio dolls and handed them to the security personnel, infecting them with a memetic virus.

Ch. 386Something Wrong with Misha

Theresa and the others entered the Daydream Hotel, where they met Misha, a bellboy whom most people could not see. After Misha introduced Penacony’s dreamscapes and vanished, the group checked in, choosing not to investigate the hotel’s secrets.

  • Theresa handed out Dr. Ratio dolls and used a spell to get the Daydream Hotel security guards to let the group inside.
  • Theresa, Stelle, and Himeko noticed Misha speaking with guests, though most people ignored him.
  • Theresa asked Misha about places to visit, and he described Penacony’s Twelve Epochs of Dreams, including several dangerous or restricted areas.
  • Misha said that people had always ignored him, then became transparent and disappeared as he walked away.
  • Himeko told the group not to get involved in the hotel’s mysteries, and Welt approached the front desk to check them in as Stellaron Hunters from the Astral Express.

Ch. 387Aventurine: They're Going to Screw Me Over Now, Right?

The Astral Express crew struggled to find enough Platinum Rooms at the crowded Daydream Hotel, and Theresa recognized Aventurine and revealed knowledge of his past. Aventurine agreed to vouch for Stelle and Theresa, but he could not secure another room, leaving the crew short on accommodation.

  • Welt learned that the hotel had only four Platinum Room reservations for the Astral Express crew, while all other Platinum Rooms were booked.
  • Stelle offered to take Dan Heng's reservation, and Theresa offered to share a room with Himeko, but Airi could not resolve the remaining shortage.
  • Aventurine introduced himself as a Strategic Investment Department representative and asked Theresa's name after staring at her.
  • Theresa identified Aventurine as Kakavasha and referred to his confiscated suitcase, unsettling him with her knowledge of his past.
  • Himeko asked Aventurine to vouch for Stelle and Theresa, and he agreed but said he could not open another Platinum Room.

Ch. 388Sunday: Now It's My Turn to Be Persecuted—Sad

Sunday and Ms. Nightingale arrived at the hotel as the Stellaron Hunters sorted out their check-in arrangements. After Theresa hinted that Penacony would soon receive a third Envoy, Sunday gave her a free Supreme Suite and a golden Dream Passport, leaving Aventurine to negotiate with him as the others settled in.

  • Sunday and Ms. Nightingale arrived at the hotel, where Theresa hugged Ms. Nightingale and the guests teased them.
  • Welt told Sunday that Dan Heng could not check in and asked to transfer his room to Stelle, while Theresa and Himeko needed a room to share.
  • Theresa privately told Sunday that Penacony would soon welcome a third Envoy, and Sunday ordered Airi to give her a free Supreme Suite.
  • Airi gave Theresa a golden Dream Passport containing ten million Clover Coins, and Sunday left with Aventurine, who began negotiating with him.
  • March 7th recognized Ms. Nightingale as the singer behind “A Heart Free From Sorrow,” while Himeko happily joined her.

Ch. 389Sunday's Ecstasy

Ms. Nightingale welcomed the Stellaron Hunters and explained that her brother Sunday had brought her to help them. Theresa healed Ms. Nightingale’s old injuries, earning Sunday’s gratitude and a promise to cover the Stellaron Hunters’ expenses in Penacony.

  • Ms. Nightingale introduced herself as a guest invited to sing at the Harmony Festival and said Sunday was her elder brother and the festival’s organizer.
  • Theresa coaxed Ms. Nightingale into petting her cat ears, and Sunday arrived to find the two of them cuddling in the hotel lobby.
  • Sunday asked Theresa to let go of Ms. Nightingale, but Theresa healed the scar on her neck and the damage to her throat.
  • Sunday thanked Theresa, apologized for speaking harshly, and offered to cover the Stellaron Hunters’ expenses and fulfill their requests.

Ch. 390Himeko: Oh No, Theresa Forgot About Me!

Theresa healed Ms. Nightingale’s neck scar, and Sunday thanked the Astral Express by upgrading their rooms and welcoming future cooperation. After Himeko was accidentally left in Ms. Nightingale’s arms, she transformed into a nine-tailed fox girl and agreed to accompany her into the dream.

  • Ms. Nightingale thanked Theresa for healing her scar, and Theresa explained that the Power of Abundance in her body could help heal future injuries.
  • Sunday said Aventurine had gone to meet with the Oak Family, offered to handle Stelle’s guarantee, and upgraded the Astral Express crew’s rooms.
  • The Astral Express crew headed to the VIP floor, while Theresa followed March 7th and Stelle and Himeko was accidentally carried away with Sunday and Ms. Nightingale.
  • Sunday noticed Himeko in Ms. Nightingale’s arms, and Ms. Nightingale apologized for forgetting she was there.
  • Himeko transformed into a nine-tailed fox girl and offered to protect Ms. Nightingale, so Sunday entrusted her to his sister’s care.

Ch. 391Theresa: Come On, Follow Me Inside!

Himeko listened as Ms. Nightingale explained how she had studied vocal music and inherited Harmony’s power to help people through song. Meanwhile, March 7th, Stelle, and Theresa discussed their plans for Penacony before Theresa led the lost Acheron toward her own room.

  • Himeko admired the Supreme Suite, and Ms. Nightingale described her brother’s support and how she used Harmony’s songs to bring hope to disaster victims.
  • March 7th, Stelle, and Theresa talked about entering the Dream Pool and what they wanted to do in Penacony.
  • March 7th planned to shop at Moment of Dusk and attend Ms. Nightingale’s performance, while Stelle said she would cause trouble with Theresa.
  • Theresa imagined disrupting the Family’s and the Corporation’s plans, and March 7th accepted Theresa’s Dr. Ratio mask to keep for later.
  • Theresa met the lost Acheron, introduced herself, and invited Acheron to follow her into her room.

Ch. 392Teasing Acheron Backfires Again for Theresa

Theresa’s attempt to tease Acheron backfired when Acheron recognized her and pinned her down, then remembered their earlier dream meeting. Acheron decided to travel with Theresa, and they entered Penacony’s dream together, where they reunited with Stelle.

  • Theresa transformed into Kiana Cat to tease Acheron, but Acheron became Real Yomi and restrained her.
  • Real Yomi questioned Theresa, then licked and petted her until Theresa was flushed and exhausted in the Dream Pool.
  • Acheron remembered meeting Theresa in an earlier dream and explained that being near her eased the erosion of Nihility, so she wanted to travel with her.
  • Theresa and Acheron entered the dream above Penacony, and Theresa used the Authority of Binding to slow their fall and land safely.
  • Stelle crashed into the central plaza, and Theresa pulled her out of the crater.
  • Stelle said March 7th had gone shopping and agreed to travel with Theresa; she then recognized Acheron as familiar.

Ch. 393Theresa's Warning, Sunday's Cowardly Retreat

Theresa and Acheron met Sunday and Ms. Nightingale after Stelle arrived in Penacony, and Theresa demonstrated power that impressed and warned the Family. Sunday gave the group an Oak Family seal and withdrew, canceling some of his planned tests of the Stellaron Hunters.

  • Himeko reunited with Theresa, while Ms. Nightingale checked on Stelle and welcomed her to Penacony's dreamscape.
  • Sunday offered Ms. Nightingale's Harmony power to help Stelle adapt, and Theresa agreed after Stelle accepted.
  • Ms. Nightingale tuned Stelle to the dreamscape, then Theresa used a whisper of Binding to ease Stelle's discomfort and affect everyone present.
  • Sunday gave the group an Oak Family seal to protect them from Hound security, and Ms. Nightingale and Sunday left on friendly terms.
  • Sunday canceled some of his planned tests of the Stellaron Hunters after Theresa's display and apparent knowledge deterred him.

Ch. 394Nanook: Children, This Isn't Funny!

Theresa, Stelle, and Acheron explored Penacony while chatting with the Astral Express group and the Aeons, whose teasing provoked Nanook. Their outing was interrupted when a silver-haired young woman pursued by Family Bloodhounds hid behind Stelle.

  • Himeko transformed into a tiny mascot and joined Ms. Nightingale, promising to protect Sunday’s sister.
  • Theresa invited Acheron into the group chat, where Stelle recounted Theresa’s unsettling display of power and the Aeons joked at Nanook’s expense.
  • Theresa offered to show Acheron around Penacony, and Stelle followed them.
  • A man shouted after a silver-haired young woman as two Family Bloodhounds pursued her through the street.
  • The young woman spotted Theresa, Stelle, and Acheron, then ran behind Stelle to hide.

Ch. 395Thirteen-Year-Old Old Man Gallagher Makes His Entrance!

Theresa used Sunday’s seal to protect Liu Ying from the Hounds, while Stelle vouched for the silver-haired girl. Gallagher arrived, dismissed the guards, and apologized, but his explanation of Penacony’s security left him eyeing Liu Ying and Acheron suspiciously.

  • Stelle stepped in to protect the silver-haired Liu Ying as the Hounds moved to arrest her for entering the dreamscape illegally.
  • Theresa showed the Hounds Sunday’s seal, and Liu Ying accepted Theresa’s offer to claim they knew each other.
  • Gallagher arrived, examined the seal, and ordered the Hounds to leave after reprimanding them for nearly offending Sunday’s guests.
  • Gallagher apologized to the group and explained that the Hounds guarded Penacony and were pursuing suspected infiltrators.
  • Gallagher glanced at Liu Ying and Acheron as he described the security alert, prompting Acheron to wonder if he suspected them.

Ch. 396Liu Ying's Invitation

After Gallagher let Liu Ying go, she reunited with Stelle and offered to guide Stelle, Theresa, and Acheron around Penacony’s Golden Epoch. The group accepted her invitation and ended up at a food shop near the Aude Shopping Center, where Liu Ying offered to treat them.

  • Gallagher let Liu Ying go and warned the group to enjoy Penacony’s beautiful dream before leaving.
  • Liu Ying thanked Stelle and introduced herself as an Iris Family performing artist who also worked around Gracchus Avenue.
  • Liu Ying offered to guide Stelle, Theresa, and Acheron around the Golden Epoch, and they agreed.
  • Liu Ying showed them the main avenue, explained Clover Coins, and pointed out the Aude Shopping Center and its shops.
  • Liu Ying led the group to a food shop near the shopping center and offered to treat them with her limited savings.

Ch. 397Theresa, the Big Spender?

Liu Ying, Stelle, Theresa, and Acheron visited a Penacony restaurant, where Theresa used her golden Dream Passport to treat everyone to a lavish feast. The food arrived in abundance, leaving Liu Ying and Acheron stunned.

  • Liu Ying brought Stelle, Theresa, and Acheron to Solesse No. 1 Restaurant and offered to pay, though she worried about her limited Clover Coins.
  • Theresa revealed a golden Dream Passport with a one-million Clover Coin credit limit and insisted on treating the group.
  • Theresa and Stelle ordered one of every dish on the menu, while Liu Ying worried they would not be able to eat it all.
  • The attendants served a huge spread of Penacony specialties, and Acheron and Liu Ying stared at the feast in shock.

Ch. 398Let's Get Weird!

Theresa joined Stelle, Liu Ying, and Acheron for a meal, using her power to suppress Acheron’s Nihility corrosion so she could taste food again. The group then visited Doctor Edward’s Dream Emporium, where Theresa created an unusual dream bubble that left him laughing wildly as onlookers gathered.

  • Theresa restrained Acheron’s Nihility corrosion, allowing Acheron to enjoy food and taste an Oak Cake Roll for the first time in a long while.
  • Acheron fed Theresa cake, while Liu Ying fed Stelle, and the four finished most of the meal before Theresa paid with her Dream Passport allowance.
  • Liu Ying suggested visiting Doctor Edward at the Dream Emporium, and Theresa agreed to customize a dream bubble.
  • Theresa used Doctor Edward’s device to create a Dr. Ratio Meme Virus dream bubble, causing Doctor Edward to laugh wildly and drawing a crowd.

Ch. 399Dr. Ratio's Great Chaos That Alarmed the Family!

Theresa unleashed a Dr. Ratio memetic effect across Penacony, transforming tourists and Family members and throwing the Golden Epoch into chaos. She revealed that the affected people would awaken in real Penacony, then Liu Ying disclosed her identity as a Stellaron Hunter and said the Stellar Core was deep within the Penacony Grand Theatre.

  • Theresa turned Sparkle, disguised as Sampo, into a wise-eyed Dr. Ratio and spread the transformation through the gathered crowd.
  • The Dr. Ratios overwhelmed Penacony, infected mechanical lifeforms, and combined into a gigantic Dr. Ratio as the Family called for reinforcements.
  • Theresa told Stelle, Acheron, and Liu Ying that the transformed people would be sent to real Penacony when attacked in the dream.
  • Theresa revealed that she knew Liu Ying's purpose and Acheron's prophecy about three deaths.
  • Liu Ying identified herself as a Stellaron Hunter and the sole survivor of the Lagomorphic Cavalry, and said the Stellar Core lay deep within the Penacony Grand Theatre.

Ch. 400The Scheming Old Bastards' Scalp-Tingling Nightmare

Dr. Ratio’s Meme Virus overwhelmed Penacony, forcing Welt, Himeko, Ratiō, Aventurine, Sunday, and Ms. Nightingale to flee or fight as people were assimilated. The chapter left the dream’s survivors facing Theresa’s unexplained upheaval, while Himeko warned that her own power could truly erase them.

  • Welt and Himeko rallied the tourists in a restaurant and fought off Dr. Ratios when the horde broke through the doors.
  • Welt’s Quasi-Black Hole swallowed the attackers and sent them into the true depths of the dream, where Tide of Dreams was overwhelmed by arrivals.
  • Ratiō and Aventurine fought a vast horde, but the Dr. Ratios broke through Aventurine’s shields and assimilated them.
  • Sunday and Ms. Nightingale fled through the overrun Family territory with Himeko, who suspected Theresa had flipped the board to disrupt the schemers.
  • Himeko told Sunday and Ms. Nightingale that she could not intervene because her erosion authority could truly erase everyone.
Arc 16 of 41