"They can't make it."
"What, traffic on the flight route?"
"No."
"Constipation made them late?"
"No."
"Forgot their suits and went back for them?"
"Not even close."
Aventurine paced the banquet hall and sighed.
"Eternal Flame Manor came in with a vengeance, swearing to turn the Planet of Festivities into a sea of fire."
"But... Aflit is dead."
"He burned too hot and died?" Yan Huan blinked.
"He did burn."
Aventurine told him plainly:
"They were wiped out on their way here."
"The killer murdered Aflit with almost supernatural skill and stole the invitation the Annihilation Gang had received."
"Eternal Flame Manor fell apart too. Its members scattered in every direction—"
Aventurine looked at Yan Huan.
"After that, a mysterious Galaxy Ranger arrived on Penacony and checked into the hotel with a music box..."
"Need I go on, Mr. Yan Huan?"
Yan Huan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"You mean she's using an alt account?"
"Exactly." Aventurine smiled faintly.
"And she's been using it since the moment she set foot on Penacony."
"Galaxy Rangers come and go like ghosts, and they rarely keep in touch with one another. It's the perfect disguise."
"As long as she doesn't admit it, there's no one to contradict her."
"The company has ways to investigate, but that takes time."
"Mr. Yan Huan, do you want to know the truth?"
"The truth? Why the hell would I want to know the truth?" Yan Huan spread his hands.
"Acheron hasn't gotten in my way. Why would I investigate her?"
"What, did she mess with your company?"
"..."
Aventurine gave a short laugh.
"Of course not. But... she's been getting close to you all, hasn't she?"
"What friends need most is honesty."
"But she hid her identity, and she's even an Emanator..."
"What is she really after?"
"Mr.