"Let me introduce myself. I am Aetherium Leda, the factory manager of the SoulGlad Factory. My six friends, please also introduce yourselves to the audience across the galaxy!" A somewhat elderly-looking man stepped forward from the side, smiling as he spoke.
"Hello everyone, I'm Himeko, Nameless from the Astral Express. These are my fellow travelers." Himeko was not at all shy and announced her name loudly.
"Hmm... don't you need to hide your identities?" Firefly asked curiously. "We can't hide it anymore, our posters are plastered all over Penacony... but it's precisely because everyone knows the Astral Express that the Family doesn't dare to make any rash moves," March 7th explained somewhat awkwardly.
"I'm Galaxy Bat Hero, and she's Zhao Camera." Qiong's words sent chills down Hanxing's spine. There are two things in the world that are most embarrassing: being called by your real name online and being called by your online name in real life.
"Oh dear, don't call me by my online name in public!" March 7th seemed so embarrassed she was practically digging her toes into the ground, but she had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue, "Hello everyone, my name is March 7th! I'm an ordinary girl who loves adventure!"
"I am Yan Bai, a young man who loves literature and creation." While Hanxing was working on his self-introduction, Yan Bai successfully bought him some time. "My name is Hanxing, and this is Firefly, my girlfriend." He then winked at Firefly.
Looking at Firefly again, her face was already as red as a pressure cooker: "I'm Firefly, an ordinary young girl. Hanxing's girlfriend..." "So it's the Nameless and his group! The final showdown is sure to be incredibly exciting! Time is precious, my four friends, come with me!"
"Drink this bottle of SoulGlad, and your happy dreams will arrive quickly!" came the final announcement over the loudspeaker, and the seven people were already heading towards the gate. "This place is really lively..." Himeko couldn't help but sigh.
"That's right! This audition venue is a microcosm of that era of possibilities." As Aetherium finished speaking, everyone appeared in a huge square. "Drink this bottle of SoulGlad, and your happy dreams will arrive quickly!" The loudspeaker blared again.
" Nameless, your arrival reminds me of the heyday of Penacony when it was first established. Back then, I was just a greenhorn who, upon seeing an advertisement for ' The Watchmaker,' left my hometown with nothing but enthusiasm to come here and try to make my first fortune." Aetherium sighed with some emotion.
"One day, I fainted from overwork and was saved by Mr. Sausa's drink. That sweet taste has been imprinted in my mind ever since, driving me to create the SoulGlad we know today! The era of pursuing dreams is truly magical. I miss that era, and I miss the ' Watchmaker.' This hot sand venue is what I built to commemorate that era full of possibilities."
"I sincerely wish you success in reaching the finals and becoming the next Penacony superstars! So, before the official start of the competition, is there anything else you'd like to say?" "We are determined to win this competition!" Hanxing answered Aetherium firmly. "Haha, young man, you have ambition. Mr. Qiong, do you have any thoughts?"
"We will definitely win!" Qiong said. "Truly Trailblazer who forges ahead! And you, Miss March 7th?" "Hello, audience! Next, please enjoy the super March 7th adventure that breaks the record for clearing the game in speed!" March 7th is as energetic as ever.
" Trailblaze the unknown, challenging limits! Truly worthy of being Miss March 7th! And Miss Firefly?" "I hope that at the end of the journey... everyone can reach the ending they yearn for," Firefly said quite earnestly.
"What a wonderful blessing! Yan Bai, is there anything you would like to say?" "We... will surely march towards a crimson dawn!" Yan Bai said after a moment of thought.
"What an eloquent statement! Miss Himeko, what are your expectations for your team?" "Safety first, everyone!" Himeko's words were concise and unexpected. "Haha, what simple yet heartwarming words!"
Aetherium then shifted gears, introducing the event's overview. "Three challenges await you, each related to its era. The first two challenges each offer two routes to choose from, each with its own unique challenge! And the final challenge... you will face a reigning champion, a popular contestant of noble character!"
"The rules are that simple, do you warriors understand? Now I declare the 20th Annual 33rd Scorchsand Festival, sponsored by SoulGlad Co., Ltd.., officially open!"
The scene shifts to the six people huddled together discussing strategy. Himeko speaks first, "Everyone, the time for the ' Charmony Festival ' is getting closer and closer. We must reach the finish line as soon as possible... Considering both efficiency and safety, teaming up in groups of three is the best option."
"Since there are two Stellaron Hunters among us, and Yan Bai is acquainted with them, why don't Mr. Hanxing, Miss Firefly, and Yan Bai travel together, while Qiong, March 7th, and I form a group?" "I have no objection, let's do it this way!" March 7th's voice was somewhat excited. "I agree." Hanxing also expressed his opinion. "Yes, I have no problem either." Firefly agreed. "Okay." Yan Bai briefly.
"Let's divide into groups like this, everyone hurry up." Soon, everyone arrived at the entrance of the competition. "Welcome to the first round of the 20th Annual 33rd Scorchsand Festival, sponsored by SoulGlad Co., Ltd..: ' Dreamplay Fantasia '! In this round, you can choose between the ' Action ' or ' Acting ' challenges," the gatekeeper introduced.
In the " Acting " challenge, you'll need to perform based on three scripts to impress the judges; in the " Action " challenge, you'll need to cleanly and efficiently defeat three groups of enemies to reach the finish line. Now—make your choice!
"How do I choose?" Hanxing asked, glancing at Firefly beside her. "Just go into that pinball from here," the gatekeeper replied, seemingly noticing Hanxing's predicament.
The three of them squeezed into an oversized marble, when a third-person perspective suddenly appeared before them. "How about... Acting?" Firefly suggested, Hanxing nodded. "Whatever you say!"
"The comedy stage is here! If you have a dream, come and join us! Welcome to the ' Acting ' stage!" In an instant, with a dizzying spin, the three stepped off the pinball and saw a colorful corridor surrounded by greenery.
"Come onto the stage and move the judges with your heartfelt performance! Penacony's next Galaxy Star—it's you!" The loudspeaker beside them kept encouraging the three.