"Games are truly a fascinating thing, aren't they?"

Beside Acheron.

Black Swan suddenly remarked.

"What?" Acheron was slightly puzzled.

Black Swan continued, "They seem like a very narrow existence, just an accessory for people's leisure and entertainment."

"But if a game becomes vast and realistic to a certain extent... where the characters within it have their own consciousness and emotions."

"Then..."

"It becomes equivalent to a real world."

"Or perhaps, the world we live in is just an enormous [game]?"

Acheron narrowed her eyes slightly.

And sighed, "Your way of thinking... is very [Nihility]."

Black Swan smiled softly, "Hehe... I was just suddenly inspired."

"We live in this world, so we can't deny its reality. Otherwise, we'd be denying ourselves..."

"We can discuss the meaning of [existence] another time."

"Over there, someone is coming to see you."

Acheron also sensed the approaching figure.

She turned around.

And watched as the person gradually walked closer.

Due to the uniqueness of her identity, the corridor near Acheron was usually empty, with no one daring to approach.

So.

When Welt walked over.

He immediately attracted the attention of many people on the scene!

Many faces showed expressions of surprise.

"Am I seeing this correctly?"

"Is that... Old Yang!?"

"No mistake, I've pulled three Old Yangs in a row. That's definitely him!"

"Old Yang is being so bold?"

"Without verifying the facts, he dares to approach Acheron alone?"

"To seek peace? To seek confirmation? Or to threaten! Oh my! I really want to know why he went to see Acheron!"

Old Yang knew that he was currently under the scrutiny of many factions.

Therefore.

He decided to get straight to the point.

He approached Acheron.

And said, "Miss Acheron, I apologize for disturbing you at this moment."

"In a previous scene, I once saw an image..."

"That must have been a memory from your past."

"In the image, you were only a silhouette, but on your forehead, a pair of red horns were visible."

Acheron slightly opened her mouth.

Seemingly surprised that the person before her had noticed such a detail.

Old Yang took a deep breath.

And asked, "So, Miss Acheron, I have a question for you."

"What is your real name..."

Acheron's gaze revealed a hint of depth.

She opened her mouth.

About to say that name.

But Black Swan's voice suddenly interrupted, "I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation."

"I think it's necessary to remind you."

"Just as Mr. Welt arrived, the game coincidentally introduced a scene involving both of you..."

Acheron and Welt immediately turned their attention to the large screen.

In the previous scene.

The confrontation between Acheron and Sam had ended.

Next was the scene where the Astral Express Crew discussed whether to cooperate with Aventurine.

Old Yang had taken this opportunity to come and inquire.

In the current scene.

The Astral Express Crew had already concluded their discussion.

They decided to split into two groups.

Himeko, March 7th, and Stelle returned to the real hotel to check on Firefly's condition.

While Old Yang stayed alone in the Dreamscape to investigate some concerning matters.

Just after Himeko, March 7th, and Stelle left.

Old Yang suddenly spoke to the empty street, "Honored guest, would you care to show yourself?"

As soon as he finished speaking.

The person who appeared before him.

Was none other than... Acheron!

At this moment.

Both in the game and in reality.

Old Yang and Acheron were meeting for the first time officially!

Two different scenes... but at this moment, they overlapped.

The game and reality.

Seemed to echo each other in a subtle way!

No wonder Black Swan intervened to interrupt their conversation.

Old Yang looked at Acheron.

Acheron nodded slightly.

The two of them silently made a decision!

To pause the conversation.

And see how they would interact in the game's storyline!

...

"Being stared at like this, I can't help but feel a bit uncomfortable," Acheron said.

"My apologies. I am Welt Yang, a member of the Astral Express. I believe you've already met my companions."

"Welt..."

"What about that name?"

"Before that, aren't you going to ask for my name?"

Welt: "I'm afraid that's unnecessary, Miss Acheron. You are already a well-known figure in Penacony."

"What are they saying about me?"

"Some claim that you are the true culprit behind this series of murders—the Annihilation Gang, who came to attend the banquet, also met their end by your blade. And now, you are trying to stir up another storm in Penacony."

Seeing this dialogue in the game.

Old Yang and Acheron both paused for a moment!

In the previous conversation, the topic of [names] had also come up!

It seems.

This name holds significant meaning!

And then.

Acheron's tone shifted.

"A tragic death... That duke, with his dying body, turned into flames, sacrificing himself for his Path. He was a resolute and heroic Pathstrider. Even if he was a villain, he should not be slandered so."

"Moreover, there are quite a few suspicious individuals who were invited. Do they really think... a long blade is more dangerous than the black hole in your hand?"

Welt's gaze darkened: "A very sharp intuition. Even the family couldn't reveal the true nature of this cane."

"So you must also be aware, Miss Acheron, that peering into a black hole is not a wise move. As a potential threat, your knowledge of us has reached an uncomfortable level—"

"Reveal your true self and state your purpose. Otherwise, I must ask you to prepare to be torn apart by gravity."

No one expected it.

The two characters in the plot seemed to be on the verge of a serious confrontation!

And at the scene.

Numerous gasps of astonishment erupted in an instant!

"Honestly, I always thought Old Yang was hiding his true strength... but I never imagined she would dare to challenge Acheron!"

"What level of power does Old Yang actually possess?"

"Well, in the game, he can create black holes with his bare hands! He can also shatter stars, so his combat prowess must be formidable!"

"The weight of this power... I know nothing about it...."

"I really want to know about Old Yang's past. From the game's introduction, he's some kind of Anti-Entropy leader, inheriting the name of the world?"

On the other side.

Old Yang realized.

He couldn't delay any longer.

He spoke directly: "Raiden Mei..."

"Have you ever heard that name?"

The moment she heard that name.

A sharp glint flashed in Acheron's eyes!

She stared at Old Yang.

And replied, word by word:

"That's right, that is... my name."

Confirming this fact.

Old Yang was overwhelmed with mixed emotions!

So much so that the hand he used to adjust his glasses trembled slightly.

Taking a deep breath.

He said shakily: "Mei, I never thought I'd meet you here..."

Acheron nodded.

Then shook her head.

"I am Raiden Mei, but I am not the Mei you know."

"Perhaps our worlds share similar paths, but in the end, I am not the same person from your world."

Behind them.

Black Swan had completely become a background character.

But she was actually thrilled!

Feeding on the drama!

Clearly!

The pasts of these two individuals were filled with incredibly precious memories!

If they could be preserved...

They would undoubtedly become extremely valuable "collectibles"!

Please, continue the conversation!

Don't stop!

Best of all, share your pasts!

Black Swan even wanted to volunteer.

Do you need a Memokeeper? To help you recall those similar yet unfamiliar paths from your pasts?

Suddenly.

A notification sound came from Old Yang's device.

It was a message from the Astral Express Crew group chat.

Old Yang had set up a special alert for it.

Acheron spoke up: "It seems your companions are reminding you of something. You should check it."

"Thank you."

"Although I don't know what you've been through in the past, I can sense that, like the Mei from my homeland, you are a person with a gentle heart."

"Mr. Welt, you flatter me."

Old Yang opened his phone.

Only to see March 7th had sent an urgent reminder―

[Uncle Yang! Check out Yu Ling's latest message!]

[He posted a short video that seems to introduce Acheron's past, mentioning something about Izumo...!]

[Maybe you should come back and watch this video first?]

[Here's the link―Click to watch "The Floating World of Three Thousand Blades"]

Old Yang glanced at Acheron.

Hesitated for a moment.

Then said: "Miss Acheron, Yu Ling just released a short video that seems to be related to your past."

"If you don't mind, let's watch it together here."

Hearing this.

Acheron didn't react much.

But Black Swan immediately showed a look of great interest!

"Is it finally happening...?"

"I've been looking forward to this!"

"The deep sea where even [memories] cannot be glimpsed..."

"How will Yu Ling manifest himself?"