Ever-Flame Manor.
At the same time as the release of "A Night of Ever-Flame: Scene 33," Duke Inferno also gathered his four children here.
He explained the plan they were about to execute.
On the throne.
He was dressed in a magnificent robe, exuding grace and elegance.
He concluded, "Alright, children."
"This is the path we are about to tread."
"The Herta Space Station was recently attacked by the Antimatter Legion, which aligns with our will of [Destruction]."
"I will separate a wisp of self-aware Infernal Flame, causing the staff of the space station to [disappear] one by one, thereby sowing doubt and rebellion within the station, leading to its collapse without a fight."
"Of course."
"This is just the appetizer, the [starter]."
"The upcoming [coming-of-age ceremony] is what you should focus on."
"We will unleash a storm of blood and chaos on this Planet of Festivities."
"And this..."
"Is merely one stop on our path of Destruction across the endless starry seas."
At that moment.
The Dahlia, Constance, revealed a meaningful smile and spoke, "Congratulations, Father."
Upon hearing this.
The other three and Duke Inferno turned their gaze toward her.
The Duke asked, "We haven't acted yet. What is there to congratulate?"
Constance took out her phone.
Projecting the video A Night of Ever-Flame: Scene 33 in front of everyone.
"Our path of Destruction has already been noticed by Yu Ling. He even specially made this video for us."
"By now, probably half the universe has already watched this video."
The flames on Duke Inferno's head surged violently.
This indicated a significant emotional fluctuation.
After a moment of contemplation.
He tried his best to suppress the ecstasy in his heart.
Feigning nonchalance, he said, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's take a look."
"From Yu Ling's perspective, what style will our Ever-Flame Mansion embody?"
Five minutes later.
After watching the video.
For a moment, the four of them stood frozen in place.
Caterina, the Shackle, was the first to exclaim in awe, "As expected of Yu Ling! The style of this video is absolutely brilliant!"
"The eerie and domineering nature of our Ever-Flame Mansion is highlighted to perfection!"
"I approve!"
The Scribe, Dubra, softly chimed in, "I also love this style."
"This is simply the perfect art of Destruction. Seeing those images of destruction, I feel like I've gained new Inspiration!" The Tuner, Akash, said excitedly.
On the throne.
Duke Inferno was clearly satisfied as well.
"Heh, it seems Yu Ling also understands the aesthetics of [Destruction]."
"We should indeed celebrate this!"
Duke Inferno rose from his throne.
Within the mansion.
Flames of excitement instantly surged on the walls.
As if echoing the Duke's mood!
"With this, we are one step closer to Him."
Suddenly.
A shadow flickered in Dubra's eyes.
She spoke, "Father, it seems an uninvited guest has arrived outside."
"She calls herself a Galaxy Ranger."
"Her name is... Acheron?"
Duke Inferno slightly reined in his excitement.
Puzzled, he asked, "A Galaxy Ranger?"
"Our Ever-Flame Mansion has no dealings with such people."
"Never mind, perhaps she's a player who came after seeing the video."
"I'm in a good mood today. Invite her in."
"Understood, Father."
...
Penacony.
Within the family.
Robin and Sunday watched A Night of Ever-Flame: Scene 33 together on the open-air balcony.
Sunday's gaze was deep and contemplative.
While Robin wore a look of confusion.
She turned to Sunday beside her and asked, "Brother, why was someone like Duke Inferno invited to this Charmony Festival?"
"From the video released by Yu Ling, it's already quite clear—"
"They are not here as guests to attend the festival, but to stir up chaos and destruction!"
"I don't understand..."
Sunday smiled gently.
In a calm voice, he said, "This is the decision of the [Dreammaster]."
"Moreover..."
"You must believe that since the [Family] dared to invite Duke Inferno, it means we must have a way to keep him in line."
Robin still seemed worried: "But... even if the Family has laid out plans in advance to suppress him the moment he causes trouble, it will inevitably affect the other guests."
"Don't worry, sister."
"The stage of the Charmony Festival belongs only to you."
"This time, it will surely be a [perfect] performance."
...
First Truth University.
Inside the classroom.
Dr. Ratio, Veritas Ratio, was conducting his assistant lecture.
Looking down at the students below the podium.
The clear stupidity in their eyes made him sigh.
He tapped the blackboard forcefully with a piece of chalk.
"Let me give you the simplest example. The Intelligentsia Guild is often seen as a seller of knowledge, but the right to set the price always lies with the buyer. If someone is willing to listen, knowledge can spread and circulate, and a price will be formed."
"This is similar to the point I just made..."
"Ding!"
Ratio heard a notification sound.
He immediately interrupted his explanation.
"Alright, time's up."
"This class is over."
With that.
He walked out of the classroom without looking back.
As if afraid of wasting even a second of his personal time.
The students below were already used to it.
Some were still pondering the content Ratio had just explained.
Others were packing up their things with a look of disappointment.
Clearly.
After the entire class, the only thing they probably understood was the last sentence: "This class is over."
Outside the teaching building.
Ratio quickly returned to his personal office.
Revealing his true appearance.
He let out a soft sigh.
Picked up his phone.
And clicked on the latest video released by Yu Ling.
A few minutes later.
He sat on the sofa, picked up a glass of cold boiled water from the table, and sipped it as if it were a cocktail.
With his other hand, he suddenly opened his palm.
A blue flame was dancing in the center of his hand.
"The Phase Flame that nurtured Ifrit was accidentally obtained by me."
"With this flame, I might be able to use Ifrit's attack as an observation sample."
"But..."
Just then.
There was a knock at the door.
Ratio extinguished the flame.
Pulled up the surveillance feed from outside the door.
The visitor was someone from the Interastral Peace Corporation.
A gambler named Aventurine.
Aventurine waved at the surveillance camera: "Professor Ratio. I went through a lot of trouble to find your residence. At the very least, you should let me come in and sit down, right?"
The door opened.
Aventurine walked in.
He sat down on the sofa next to him with ease.
"Get straight to the point, gambler."
"Our time is precious."
Aventurine took the water Ratio handed him.
Smiled and said, "I want to invite you to come with me to Penacony."
Ratio's gaze darkened slightly.
He sighed, "So it's come to this."
"Did you already foresee this, Professor?"
Ratio took out his phone and opened the game—Honkai: Star Rail.
"I've always believed that this game is not just a simple game; there exists a relationship between its storyline and reality that resembles [quantum entanglement]."
"The game's plot influences reality, and events occurring in reality are reflected back into the game."
Aventurine tried to maintain his composure and said lightly, "Professor, this isn't your classroom; you might want to clarify a bit more."
Ratio shot a glance at Aventurine.
He felt somewhat annoyed.
But he still said, "While you were asking me to go to Penacony, I also deduced something."
"You and I will both become playable characters in the game in the future."