"After all, the person who wrote this invitation clearly knows a great deal about our factions. It's entirely possible they forged the code phrase."
"...Then what do we do?"
"...Even if we don't know whether it's genuine, the Nameless would never abandon a companion. No matter what, the Astral Express will go to Penacony, so there's no need to worry..." Himeko said calmly.
"Mm, I understand, Himeko."
Suddenly, Xiao Xi seemed to think of something. "Oh, right! I just remembered—we don't need to sit here guessing. I can simply ask my divine aspect to question the Aeon of Harmony, Xipe!"
"At first glance, this idea sounds utterly absurd, but the more I think about it, the more feasible it seems... Anyway, try it first." Even Himeko was a little stunned by Xiao Xi's fanciful idea, but if it might work, there was no reason not to try.
"Mm-hmm..."
Far beyond the endless dimensions—in Xipe's realm, the domain of [Harmony]
"[Hope], what brings you here? Never mind, that isn't important. What matters is, will you join my Family?" A three-faced figure, seemingly made of countless fragments, appeared. Its voice sounded like millions of people singing a hymn in unison as it warmly extended the invitation.
"No, I don't intend to join your Family. I came here because there's something I'd like to ask you..." [Hope] calmly refused Xipe's offer.
"Oh? Then so be it..." There was unmistakable disappointment in [Harmony]'s voice. "You said you had something to ask?"
"Yes. I'd like to know the current situation on Penacony, the land under your protection and care." The Aeons' conversations were certainly direct.
"Penacony? I've indeed been keeping an eye on it. Well, I believe I know why you've come. [Fallen Paths will gather there, and it will become a battleground for Paths to clash. 'You' will follow the footsteps of Trailblaze to arrive there. The twins of Order will begin a grand overture there, and those within the dreamland will shape its ultimate fate themselves.] So, [Hope], are you satisfied with my answer?"
"...Though your answer was rather vague, it still gave me an important lead. Thank you, Xipe."
"You're welcome. If you truly want to thank me, then join Xipe's Family..." Xipe was as enthusiastic as ever.
"No, I think I'll pass..." After ending the conversation, [Hope] left Harmony's domain as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, Xiao Xi, far away on the Luofu, also received a message from her divine aspect.
(Xiao Xi): Himeko, my divine aspect replied. A lot is going on in Penacony. Someone is trying to resurrect the Aeon of Order, Tayzzyronth. Based on the detailed explanation you gave me about how dreams are constructed, I also have reason to suspect that [Propagation] has meddled in this.
(Xiao Xi): And the person who sent the invitation to lure us there seems to be connected to Trailblaze. At least, that's what Xipe told "me"... (Pom-Pom is angry) Honestly, I hate people who speak in riddles. Do all the big shots like to talk this way?
(Himeko): Don't be angry. At least we have a lead now. I'll investigate the clues about the Nameless who sent the distress call, as well as the members of the Family who may be in contact with the Aeon of Order, Tayzzyronth. For now, just enjoy your vacation. Welt and I will handle the rest.
(Xiao Xi): Got it, Himeko. Don't worry too much, either. If something happens that we can't handle, I can always call "Xi" over to help.
(Xiao Xi): Even if an Aeon making a grand entrance into another Aeon's domain might cause some problems afterward, that's still better than letting something really happen.
(Himeko): Then thank you for your concern, Xiao Xi. But unless we have no other choice, it's best not to use that method.