Chapter 167: Could It Be That Penacony Is Actually the Astral Express's Turf?

The video continued.

After a while,

the Astral Express crew regrouped.

【It seems Aventurine has no further requests, so let's first handle the Family's commission.】

【Himeko, what do you think?】

Welt asked Himeko.

【Among the current leads, the two murders Stelle witnessed are the most direct...】

【I suggest we start from there.】

【There's something I'm curious about.】

【If a person dies in a dream, what happens to them in reality?】

【Since we have the Family's instruction, why don't we return to reality first and verify Young Lady Firefly's situation with the hotel...】

【We can also take the chance to inquire about news of Young Lady Robin.】

Himeko thought for a moment,

and proposed.

【How about this?】

【We split into two groups. There are some things in the dream that concern me as well; I'd like to investigate first and rejoin you all later.】

Welt suddenly said, somewhat out of character.

【Things that concern you?】

【... Oh, no problem then. I'll leave it to you.】

Himeko noticed something off about Welt,

but she trusted Welt,

so she did not press further.

【Huh?】

【Ah... I was hoping we'd finally get to see Himeko and Uncle Yang traveling together. Uncle Yang, stay safe out there!】

March 7th was a little surprised at first,

then offered Welt a word of caution.

【Mm. Keep in touch.】

Welt nodded to everyone.

He then watched the three of them leave.

【...】

【Honored guest, might you come out so we may meet?】

Once the three figures had faded from view,

Welt suddenly said, out of nowhere.

Then, Huang Quan's figure appeared behind Welt.

Welt sensed the anomaly at his back,

turned around instinctively,

and found himself somewhat startled.

【Being stared at like that does make me feel rather awkward.】

Stared at by Welt with that strange look,

Huang Quan said, a little ill at ease.

【My apologies.】

【My name is Welt Yang, a member of the Astral Express. I trust you've already met my companions.】

Welt withdrew his gaze,

and introduced himself to Huang Quan.

【Welt...】

Huang Quan murmured the name,

falling into thought.

【Is something wrong with that name?】

Huang Quan's reaction

made Welt frown.

【... Before that, aren't you going to ask my name?】

Huang Quan raised her head

and asked.

【I'm afraid that won't be necessary, Young Lady Huang Quan. You are quite the well-known figure in Penacony now.】

Welt shook his head,

and called out Huang Quan by name.

【... What did they say?】

Huang Quan asked, curious.

【Some claim you are the true culprit behind this string of murders — that members of the Minmie Gang, who had come to attend the banquet, also perished by your blade, and that now you seek to unleash yet another storm of blood and carnage upon Penacony.】

Welt answered.

【Minnie Gang?】

Huang Quan was somewhat puzzled.

【The Afrit of the Eternal Flame Manor.】

Welt reminded her.

【A tragic death......】

【That Grand Duke, with his body on the verge of death, transformed into raging flames, sacrificing himself for his cause.】

【He was a steadfast, heroic walker of the Path — even as a villain, he should not be slandered so.】

【Moreover, the suspicious figures who came at the invitation are not few.】

【Do they truly think.....】

【That a single long blade is more dangerous than the black hole in your hand?】

Huang Quan turned her gaze toward Welt's cane,

her tone unreadable.

【... A very keen intuition. Even the family failed to identify the true nature of this cane.】

【So you must be aware as well, Young Lady Huang Quan — peering into a black hole is not wise. As a potential dangerous element....】

【Your understanding of us has reached an uncomfortable degree....】

【Reveal your true form and state your purpose.】

【Otherwise, I must ask you to prepare yourself to be torn apart by gravity.】

Welt looked at Huang Quan,

a hint more threat in his tone.

【That sort of thing probably won't happen.....】

【But if it can ease the wariness of you Nameless, I'm happy to oblige.】

【Believe it or not, Sea Ranger Huang Quan.....】

【This is my current identity.】