Inside the Astral Express's observation car.
March 7th sat bored on the sofa: "Has the Conductor not arrived yet?"
Himeko smiled and patted March 7th's head: "Don't worry, Pam probably has things he needs to prepare."
At this moment, Pam finally walked over with small, quick steps: "Ahem, esteemed passengers, my apologies for the wait. As this is an important matter, I, the Conductor, took some time to prepare, Pam."
"Is something the matter?" Star asked.
"Yeah, yeah, what is it? We've never seen the Conductor be late before."
March 7th also asked curiously.
"Pam is not late, Pam!"
Pam corrected March 7th, then continued: "Esteemed passengers, the Astral Express's destination for this journey is Penacony. Before we depart, I have three things to remind everyone.
First, Penacony is located in Asdana, a star system abundant in 'memory matter.' Historically, it was one of the major holes where the Memory Zone leaked.
Even after several millennia, the concentration of memory matter ahead remains above average.
Normally, there shouldn't be any major issues, but everyone's physical condition is different. Should you experience dizziness, hallucinations, or memory disorders, do not take it lightly.
Second, Penacony is the territory of the harmony family, and this is the first time the family has publicly extended an invitation to other factions.
This pioneering journey will undoubtedly be fraught with danger. Since all passengers have decided to go, although the Conductor is unwilling to doubt the family, I must ask you to be extremely careful, Pam.
Should you encounter an unsolvable danger, you must return to the Astral Express in time. Onboard, I am confident I can lead everyone away together.
And third, rather than a requirement... Pam wishes to make an unreasonable request of you all.
If possible, I hope you can help inquire about a few Nameless.
Fearing it might influence your decision to go to Penacony, the Conductor originally didn't intend to make this request.
But since you have all made up your minds, I entrust this to you."
"Are we getting new companions?" Star asked, looking happy.
At this moment, Himeko began to explain: "Let me explain. Like most worlds the Astral Express docks at, Penacony was once a station on the Silver Rail.
Thousands of years ago, it was still a frontier prison of the Company. It was pioneering that connected it to the Thousand Stars.
The Astral Express of that time also visited Penacony—just as travel has its partings and reunions, according to the Astral Express's records, it seems several passengers chose to stay there, making Penacony their final destination."
"Who are these important people?" Star asked again.
Himeko shook her head and looked at Star: "Don't be nervous. Just consider it a ritual of returning to an old place.
After the Astral Express left, the Stellaron blocked all worlds, and Penacony's ownership changed hands several times.
How did those old Nameless who remained there fare later? What did they experience? And what traces did they leave on this world?
Exploring the footsteps of our predecessors is also a form of adventure."
Himeko then turned to Pam: "Even if they leave the starry sky, the pioneering of the Nameless will not end. The Conductor thinks so too, right?"
She then looked at everyone and explained: "According to the crew roster, the three passengers who disembarked back then were named Tiernan, Lagwork, and Lazarina.
They were once the Astral Express's guard, mechanic, and surveyor.
Other than that, there is no other information."
"Only names and professions? It doesn't even sound like their real names. Isn't this like looking for a needle in a haystack?"
March 7th said with some difficulty.
Himeko smiled slightly: "Just let it be. Considering the diversity of the Nameless... we might even find their descendants, or there's a very small chance we could meet them in person."
At this moment, Jiang Lin proposed: "The Nameless who disembarked back then were certainly not ordinary people, yet their reputation in Penacony is almost non-existent.
This is very abnormal; something we don't know must have happened back then.
And there must be someone among the family's high-ranking members who knows this history."
Then Jiang Lin looked down at Pam: "Moreover, on our trip to Penacony this time, there's a high probability we will clash with the family.
As long as the Conductor agrees, I will immediately abduct a high-ranking member of the family to interrogate them about what exactly happened back then.
I think that Sunday fellow would be a good choice."
These words instantly stunned everyone.
Pam on the Astral Express was so angry that smoke was coming out of his nose, his two short legs constantly stomping on the car floor, his pair of big blue eyes glaring angrily at Jiang Lin: "Absolutely not!"
"Yeah, yeah, that's just not going to work, no matter how you think about it."
March 7th also chimed in.
Star, however, was deep in thought, then leaned closer to Pam: "There's potential."
"Oh no, don't cause trouble."
March 7th quickly pulled her aside.
Seeing no one agreed, Jiang Lin said "Oh" and then silently went back to observing.
Of course, Welt and Dan Heng were the most silent, not saying a word from beginning to end.
And Himeko, seeing that no one else had any questions, announced: "Then let's conclude the meeting here. There's still some time before the jump, so everyone can spend a little more time checking their luggage."
"Before the jump begins, this Conductor will make an announcement, Pam."
Pam said after calming down.
Subsequently, everyone dispersed.
Jiang Lin sat on the sofa in the observation car, silently pondering a question.
Compared to the original timeline, the timing of going to Penacony now should be earlier.
He just didn't know if Duke Inferno was dead at this time.
Also, would Star encounter Acheron in her dreams this time?
Thinking this, he looked at Star... Hmm, she had just finished chatting with Welt and was now talking with Himeko.
At this moment, Jiang Lin looked up at Star, and Star also finished her conversation with Himeko and looked at Jiang Lin... As their eyes met, both fell silent simultaneously... "You first..." x2
"No, you first." x2
"Alright, I'll go first..." x2
"Are you going to speak or not?" x2
Then the two fell into a deathly silence again... At this moment, March 7th also noticed what was happening between them.
She leaned closer to Dan Heng and asked: "Are Star and Jiang Lin performing something? A double act?"
Dan Heng nodded: "Perhaps."
And back to Jiang Lin and Star... After their silence, Star said speechlessly: "I kind of don't want to say it anymore."
"Then you listen to me."
Jiang Lin said calmly.
"Is it very important?"
Jiang Lin nodded.
"For you or for me?"
"Both are important."
"Then you speak."
Jiang Lin nodded, carefully considered his words, then said: "If you dream of Acheron, when you wake up, tell me exactly what she said to you."
(I have a cold and can't write much; I'll make up a chapter tomorrow.)