Chapter 153

Sandgold: "Mr. Sunday, aren't you going to introduce us to the Dream Master's origins?"

Sunday: "........."

Sunday: "Regrettably, the Dream Master is typically seen only in glimpses, like a divine dragon appearing briefly."

Sunday: "Even the heads of the major lineages find it nearly impossible to meet the Dream Master."

Stelle: "From this description, he sounds like a truly elusive figure."

Furina: "Then who is the Clockmaker?"

Furina: "Is he connected to this Dream Master?"

Sunday: "No connection whatsoever."

Amber: "Speaking of the Clockmaker, he really fits the profile of a villainous big boss!"

Amber: "Look—he's the one who sent out invitations, luring all factions here to fight over his so-called inheritance."

Amber: "When you think about it, isn't everything that's happened because of him?"

Kaeya: "Regardless of other details, this Clockmaker must have a very clear goal."

Kaeya: "But what exactly is he scheming by orchestrating all of this?"

Silver Wolf: "Seeking to split Pinoconny? Enjoying watching factions slaughter each other? Or maybe he just left behind treasure and wants people to compete for it..."

Silver Wolf: "In any case... it seems any possibility could be true."

The video continues.

The scene returns to Sandgold.

{... Ah, friend, when I witnessed this scene, my expression wasn't much better than yours. }

{... You didn't misread—it's her, the famed singer, the Robin. }

Sandgold's tone carried a hint of melancholy.

{... How is this possible? }

{... The Robin also...? }

Stelle still found it hard to believe.

{... Let me make this clear—I had nothing to do with this. I'm just an unlucky fool who stumbled into the scene. }

{... The family can vouch for me. If you don't believe me, ask someone from the Hound lineage... }

{... They hate me. They hate the company. So they won't lie. }

{... This isn't the crime scene. What I'm showing you is a memory—a simple Light Cone projection technique, authorized by the Memory Court, owned by the company. }

{... At this point, do you still believe the Sea Patrol Knight is an outsider? }

{... Pinoconny solemnly promised: within the dreams woven by the families, every guest's safety is guaranteed. }

{... Those in danger are forcibly awakened and returned safely to reality. }

{... What gives them the confidence to make such a firm claim? }

{... Because behind that promise lies the protection of Concord: }

{... The dreamweavers of the families link their thoughts into one, constructing an unbreakable security barrier. }

{... To breach this barrier and create death within the dream... }

{... Even a Memory Keeper cannot do it without family authorization. }

{... Who can? }

{... Friend, only she—the woman who calls herself the Sea Patrol Knight—can. }

{... An impostor, an envoy concealing her true identity... }

{... Afril's death is already sealed, and the Robin... her gruesome state lies right before us. }

{... Who will be the next victim? }

Sandgold spoke continuously,

striking at Stelle's thoughts.

{... In that case, I won't trust anyone. }

Stelle shook her head.

{... It's fine. You're entitled to your own judgment. }

{... Building trust takes time. I'm willing to wait. }

{... But I hope you understand: around this so-called inheritance, Pinoconny seethes with hidden currents, and everyone harbors ulterior motives. }

{... Don't choose the wrong side. }

{... If I were you, I'd keep my distance from Huang Quan. }

{... After all, schemes laid out in the open are far preferable to monsters lurking in the shadows... aren't they? }

Sandgold chuckled lightly,

unconcerned by Stelle's attitude.

{... But who says the schemes on the surface don't conceal deeper conspiracies? }

Black Swan suddenly appeared in the room,

countering Sandgold's words.

{... Memory Keeper, I believe our transaction ended long ago. }

Sandgold looked at Black Swan,

his expression unreadable.

{... Sandgold speaks the truth. This memory is real, with no distortion or fabrication. }

Black Swan explained to Stelle.

【The company isn't Yiting; its scope of action is severely limited—you know this better than anyone.】

【Friend, no more beating around the bush—I'll speak plainly: I want to establish a personal collaboration with the Star Rail.】

【I already told you, I have no interest in the inheritance struggle; I came to Pinoconny solely for work.】

【I'm here to reclaim some lost assets for the company—you understand...】

【Specifically, ownership of the Outskirts Prison.】

【Thanks to the Wound of Myriad Realms, it's long been a bad debt; the company has tried several times to sit down and negotiate, but the Zudeda Sect won't even open their door.】

【You have no idea how hard these people are to deal with.】

【Put it this way: they once concealed the very existence of death—they'll surely bury the news of the Redbird's death too.】

【She'll vanish like a bubble, silent and unseen, and no one will ever know...】

【That's unfair, isn't it?】

【So, friend, I need your help.】

Sandgold looked at Stelle, his tone now carrying more sincerity.

【I cannot trust you.】

Sandgold's past actions and calculations,

made it hard for Stelle to hold any fondness for him.

【That's fine—I won't force you.】

【But I ask for little; just hear me out, alright?】

【I have only one goal: the Zudeda Sect's gate is a high wall—I must first drill a few holes into it.】

【Once a crack appears, the company has countless ways to exploit it.】

【Now, the opportunity has come.】

【If we can uncover the truth behind the Redbird's death, we can deliver justice to the dead—and gain leverage to force the family to the negotiating table.】

【A once-in-a-millennium opportunity... I've scoured Pinoconny, made allies everywhere, all for this moment.】

【This tragedy is devastating to the family, so they'll spare no effort to block outsiders—especially the company—from intervening.】

【But I believe some factions are exceptions—that's why I need you.】

【The Star Rail is renowned; the Concord will give you the fairest judgment.】

【You can uncover the truth and uphold justice, while I fulfill the company's mission... that's a win-win.】

Sandgold was not discouraged,

still trying to sway Stelle,

attempting to draw her into his camp.

【I can't make decisions alone...】