Something Seems Off About Penacony

Lin Shuang didn't even know how to complain.

Could what I saw while showering be the same thing as my current state?

I think it's fine.

But it's clear that Acheron is being a bit unreasonable right now.

And perhaps because Lin Shuang was rambling on and on, he leaned down and directly covered Lin Shuang's mouth.

"Ugh--!!"

Then Lin Shuang was swallowed by Nihility.

All that remained before him were Acheron's blood-red eyes; he could no longer utter a word.

A long time.

Lin Shuang, exhausted from the Nihility of the Acheron, finished washing up.

She changed into simple pajamas.

This person increased their output again today, although it's still still within Lin Shuang's tolerance limit.

But it looks like he's deliberately torturing himself.

Lin Shuang looked at Acheron, who had also changed into pajamas and seemed to be listening to music to pass the time.

After speaking to Acheron.

At the agreed time, I started a video call with Firefly.

Although holographic projection was not used, Lin Shuang was still able to see the beautiful appearance of the Firefly thanks to her excellent video equipment.

The Firefly was still dressed in exquisite loungewear; even in its casual and simple everyday clothes, it looked quite elegant on the Firefly.

Good evening, Lin Shuang. You look a little tired.

Good evening, yes, there is a little.

Lin Shuang's words startled the Firefly.

"Why does your voice sound so weak? How about we learn some theoretical knowledge today?"

"Hmm, that's fine."

Lin Shuang didn't press the matter and nodded in agreement with Firefly's suggestion.

After learning about half of the System Hour,

During breaks.

The Firefly then began to talk about going to Penacony.

"By the way, Lin Shuang, where are you now? Are you still on the Xianzhou? I'm setting off tomorrow, and I'll change the Spaceship's route to come pick you up."

She glanced at the background behind Lin Shuang. To be honest, the interior didn't quite look like the style of the Xianzhou Luofu.

Lin Shuang shook her head:

I'm on Azur Star.

"Azur Star? That's not far; the Spaceship can reach it in System Hour."

As it spoke, the Firefly suddenly laughed:

"We'll see each other again soon. When we get to Penacony, I'll show you around properly."

Lin Shuang smiled and said upon hearing this:

"Didn't you say you asked me to help you investigate? How did it turn into you taking me sightseeing in Penacony?"

"Hehe~ Of course, you have to be able to enjoy the Charmony Festival too."

The Firefly opened its little beak slightly and chuckled happily.

While conducting the investigation, as a friend, Firefly naturally hoped that Lin Shuang could also enjoy the Penacony Dreamscape.

"By the way, speaking of Azur Star, I heard that the Herta Space Station was attacked by the Anti-Matter Legion not long ago. Are you alright?"

Has the news about the Herta Space Station spread this far?

Lin Shuang blinked. It seemed that the news department of Interastral Peace Corporation was indeed very efficient.

"It's nothing, just a small force, no powerful enemies around."

The Firefly patted its chest and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Phew... that's alright. When I heard you were on Azur Star, I was a bit taken aback. Wasn't that place just attacked? I was wondering if it was retaliation for what happened before."

"That's not the case. Phantylia's current focus is on the Xianzhou; he doesn't have time to deal with me."

Moreover, who knows whose troops that small group actually belonged to?

We chatted for a while longer and then studied for a bit.

Just as we were about to end our call for the evening.

The Firefly then raised another question.

She fluttered the little Wings behind her head and said somewhat shyly:

"Oh, by the way... after I went to Penacony, my Brother wanted to see you."

Lin Shuang blinked. "Firefly's Brother, isn't that Sunday? Why does that prime suspect want to see her?"

Could it be that they've heard about my intentions and are planning to take action directly?

"Your Brother? The Head of the Family of the Oak Family? What does he want with me?"

"Don't worry, it's just a private meeting. My Brother heard about my experience in Xianzhou Luofu and wanted to thank you for your help, Lin Shuang."

The Firefly spoke very gently, but Lin Shuang's expression became somewhat subtle.

"... Are you sure it's gratitude, or are you planning to settle scores with me? It's my fault for dragging you into this battle of the Emanator."

Upon hearing this, the Firefly laughed and waved its hands repeatedly.

Although Lin Shuang's guess was reasonable, the Firefly still wanted to defend her Brother.

"No, my Brother is a very good and reasonable person. He just tends to be a little overprotective of me, so... he won't take it out on me, right?"

But as he talked, Firefly himself started to lose confidence.

Sunday was a bit overprotective of her; she always wanted the Firefly to go back to Penacony and not keep running off to dangerous places.

Thinking about it this way, the place I went to this time was probably the most dangerous.

Knowing his Brother Firefly did, the brother was probably incredibly worried when he found out about this.

"... That makes me even more scared."

Lin Shuang looked at the Firefly's subtle expression and almost laughed.

Who would advise someone to commit suicide?

Does this big star sometimes act a little naive?

The next day.

Lin Shuang boarded the luxurious Spaceship carrying the Firefly from the Starport.

Surprisingly, this small Spaceship, which was only about 100 meters long, carried only Firefly; there was no assistant or agent with her.

Upon meeting, the Firefly approached Lin Shuang, grasped her hand, and said earnestly:

"Rest assured! I will accompany you throughout your meeting with the Oak Head of the Family, Lin Shuang, and I will absolutely not give him a chance to pressure you!"

Lin Shuang was speechless. Could this big star have really been seriously thinking about this question, and had been pondering it all day?

"Alright, then I'll rely on Miss Firefly to protect me."

The Firefly also understood Lin Shuang's teasing tone. She knew that Lin Shuang was very strong, so she probably wasn't too worried about this matter.

But Lin Shuang was a guest invited back by the Firefly, and she had a responsibility to protect her.

So even though Lin Shuang's tone was mostly joking, the Firefly still took the issue very seriously.

"Alright, come in and rest. The Spaceship won't be too far from Azur Star to Penacony; it'll only take a few dozen System Hour."

Firefly led Lin Shuang by the hand into the resting compartment.

The cabin is furnished in an extremely luxurious and comfortable manner, with everything from drinks and entertainment to relaxation facilities.

Furthermore, an entire adjustable wall was specially designed so that one can enjoy a direct view of the scenery outside the Spaceship whenever desired.

The Firefly, barefoot on the indoor carpet, handed a music box from the table to Lin Shuang.

"This is the Invitation to the Penacony Charmony Festival. Only your name is registered so far. If you have any other friends you'd like to invite, feel free to let me know."

Volume 1: Chapter 198 Something seems off about Pinocchio.

Lin Shuang examined the exquisitely crafted music box carefully for a moment, then asked:

"Firefly, do you know what the hidden message in that special Invitation is?"

The Spaceship is automatically taking off along the pre-set route, heading towards Penacony.

Accompanied by a very slight tremor and a push-back sensation, Lin Shuang picked up the unusual Invitation.

Upon hearing Lin Shuang's question, the Firefly's expression turned serious.

She nodded to Lin Shuang, and then said:

"To take in the impossible from the dream, to find the legacy of Penacony's father [the Watchmaker], and then to answer: Why Does Life Slumber??"

"Um..."

Lin Shuang had heard Himeko mention this code word in the game, but she hadn't remembered it carefully at the time, and her original words weren't very clear.

Now, Firefly repeat it again, Lin Shuang focused her attention on the very first sentence.

"To take in the impossible things in dreams..."

Lin Shuang murmured the sentence to herself. If her memory served her right, death did not exist in Penacony's dreams.

Although Lin Shuang herself couldn't remember where she heard this conclusion.

Was the death of the Firefly in the story a necessary step on the path to the Watchmaker's legacy?

It's highly likely.

During the thought process, the Firefly cautiously spoke:

"Hmm, that prerequisite is quite intriguing. In Penacony's Dreamscape, anything is possible; for many, it's like another reality. The so-called impossible..."

"Die."

"Yes, it's about death. The Family promises absolute safety in Penacony's Dreamscape, with no danger whatsoever. However, you'll be forcibly awakened if you encounter any strong stimuli."

As he said this, the Firefly's expression wasn't very pleasant.

"If those forces that have deciphered the cryptic text truly intend to search for the Clockmaker's Legacy in Penacony, then they will also seek death Penacony."

And if someone really did die in Penacony's Dreamscape, or even died in a grand manner, so that everyone knew about it...

The reputation that Penacony has built up over so many Amber Era as an 'Dreamscape Absolute Safety' will crumble.

This would be a huge blow to Penacony, a Festivity Planet.

The Firefly has reason to suspect that the person who sent this secret message may actually be targeting the Family.

Lin Shuang shrugged.

Lin Shuang did remember how she died, but the problem was how to find her when the time came.

"Relax, don't get stuck on Dead End. This message has a touch of romanticism to it, otherwise why would they have added such a question at the end?"

When considering a problem, one shouldn't assume too many conditions. The mastermind behind it might indeed be targeting the Family, but it could also just be a case of accidental injury.

If they get too caught up in this speculation, they might miss the answer altogether.

"Phew... you're right."