Chapter 255 Dr. Edward: I have an idea
Chapter 255 Dr. Edward: I have an idea
"Is this the world from my dream?"
Alicia curiously observed Golden Moment's appearance. Her first-time experience in the dream world made passersby smile and recall their own first time entering it.
"To be precise, this is a dream within a dream," Kiana's voice echoed in Alicia's mind. "The real Pinocchio has long since been transformed into an interstellar hotel."
"That's true, but why say it in my head?"
"After all, we are still in the midst of a bet, and I cannot openly discuss related matters due to the bet agreement."
"I see. So where should we go next?"
"Let's go for a walk around the area first, and then I'll take you to the Daydream Hotel in my dream."
"Daydream Hotel?"
"It's the name of the Pinocchio hotel in real life, since we agreed to meet up with the others."
"Does that mean I can see Xing and March 7th again?"
"Yes, you'll get to see Himeko this time too, but you'll have to wait a while to see Dan Heng."
"Hey, why? I had a really nice chat with him last time."
"That's all because he didn't want to get off the train this time, and besides, someone had to stay on the train to keep Pam company."
"Speaking of which, just who exactly is this Pam?"
"How come you didn't know?"
"Well, Pam was already on the train when Akivili was still around. In Akivili's words, Pam was a life that was born by accident when he created the train, and he was highly bound to the train. Therefore, Akivili made Pam the train conductor to manage everything on the train."
"Even Akivilli himself didn't know the specific reason for Pam's birth? That's quite mysterious."
"Right! But Pam herself is still very cute. I used to love carrying Pam around on the train. I don't know if that's why Pam doesn't want to be carried anymore, even though she was such a good girl back then."
Kiana read through the memories that surfaced in Alicia's mind, and gave a somewhat forced smile, saying, "I don't think that can be called being obedient."
"But at that time He was obediently staying in my arms without moving."
"That's because you were the Goddess of Pure Beauty at the time, and it might have been difficult for Him to refuse Akivili's invitation to visit the train."
"Is that right?"
"That's probably true."
Alicia recalled the trembling Pam in her arms back then, and she could be said to agree with Kiana's statement.
"It's about time, let's wrap this up."
Kiana pointed to Dr. Edward behind her and said.
"This is…?"
"Dr. Edward, you can use an item called Dream Bubble here to have an immersive dream experience. Of course, the plot is provided by Dream Bubble itself, which can be considered a specialty experience of Pinocchio."
“Yes, just as Miss Kiana said,” Dr. Edward said. “I can offer a wide variety of dream experiences here. I will select suitable dream bubbles based on the individual’s situation in order to provide guests with a better experience.”
Of course, the cost might be a bit high, or you could choose to bring your own Dream Bubble and I'll provide you with a free experience. If the Dream Bubble is interesting enough, I might even buy it from you. Which option would you two prefer?
"This is definitely the second one. Is the dream bubble that Dr. Edward left with you still there?"
"Of course, Miss Kiana. So, would you like to experience it yourself, or would the lady behind you be the one to experience it?"
"Me! Me! Me!" Alicia exclaimed, raising her hand high. To be honest, she was quite curious about what kind of dream bubble Kiana had reserved.
"Understood. Now, please bring your forehead close to my eyes. You may experience dizziness or other discomfort during your first experience. Don't worry, this is normal."
Alicia nodded to indicate that she understood, and then began to experience the dream bubble.
After a while, Alicia with a complicated expression withdrew from the dream bubble. She never expected that the dream bubble that Kiana had reserved would actually be the story of their world.
"So? Now, looking back on the past paradise, do you feel a bit emotional?"
"Pretty much, but I didn't expect you to turn this into a dream bubble." Alicia looked at Kiana with a hint of resentment.
"Haha, it's nothing. I just don't have anything I can make into a dream bubble right now, but this dream bubble received a very high rating from Dr. Edward."
“Yes,” Dr. Edward agreed. “Since I acquired this Dream Bubble, it has consistently received high praise. The few negative reviews are mainly focused on its description of being healthy, sunny, and positive.”
"Healthy, sunny, and positive?"
"Regarding this, since it was acquired by Dream Bubble, the original owner had the right to make changes to the description. However, I don't understand why Miss Kiana insisted on changing my description to 'This is a story full of health, sunshine, and positivity.'"
"Hmm~".
"This, hahaha!"
"However, many customers have shown interest in the world view of Yumebukuro, so I am planning to collaborate with Ms. Kiana to launch a series of Yumebukuro, but it seems that the process has encountered some trouble."
"After all, it's based on my own experience, so I need other people's consent. That's why I'm discussing this with others."
"Why haven't you mentioned this to me?"
"Isn't this letting you experience it for yourself? How about it? Are you interested in spreading the story of our world throughout the universe?"
"Of course!"
"Then that concludes our business here. Let's head back to the hotel."
With Kiana snapping her fingers, the two arrived at the Daydream Hotel in reality, or rather, in a dream.
At this moment, March 7th and Himeko are having a loud discussion.
Is that woman really trustworthy?
"But she did find Xing and save her; now we can only listen to their demands..."
"Hi, March 7th. Himeko, it's been a long time. What are you two talking about?"
“It’s Alicia, long time no see! It’s nothing, it’s just that Xing and that… Miss Firefly fell into a place outside the boundary of the dream due to some accident. A Memory Man who calls himself Black Swan rescued them,” Walter explained.
"Speaking of which, is this the person you came to assist this time?"
"I guess so," Kiana mumbled.
"My name is Alicia. I won't go into a detailed self-introduction, since you already know enough about me from the previous Xianzhou and group chats, don't you think?"
“So, continuing from where we left off, that person who remembers clearly came prepared, so we’d better be careful.”
"But I never expected that the famous Star Core Hunter Sam would actually be a girl suffering from a terminal illness. Life is unpredictable!" March 7 said.
Just then, the Memory Man who called himself the Black Swan also arrived with Xing beside the group.
"Miss Himeko, look, I've brought the child back as promised."
On March 7th, seeing Xing return, she asked worriedly, "Xing, are you alright? I couldn't find you in reality or in my dreams, I was so worried..."
"I'm glad you're safe and sound." Himeko said with a sigh of relief. "Let me introduce you. This is Miss Black Swan, a Memory Receiver from the Flowing Light Memory Garden."
"So you're Himeko's friend," Hoshi said, turning to look at the Black Swan.
“Oh, no. Himeko-neechan said they met by chance while investigating the dream,” March Seven explained.
The black swan also stepped in to explain: "Not yet. But because of you, we might be able to take this opportunity to deepen our understanding of each other."
"So, Xing, how did you end up in a place like that... What happened?"
Himeko asked, and Hoshi truthfully recounted their previous experiences.
"So, the person who attacked you was a woman dressed in red, skilled in illusion, and able to change the appearance of others..." Walter repeated.
“Her name is Hanabi,” the Black Swan said. “She’s the Masked Fool who infiltrated Pinocchio… Don’t worry, that girl won’t be targeting you for now. She must be thinking she’s succeeded and is probably gloating somewhere.”
Of course, I know everyone here. In Pinocchio, everyone can lie… but memories don’t, and of course, we can exclude two other people from the list of everyone here.”
Black Swan then pointed her gaze to Alicia and Kiana beside her: "I cannot access their memories."
"Do all you Memory Specters like to pry into other people's memories uninvited?" Kiana asked, frowning slightly, somewhat displeased.
"It seems that Miss Kiana has met with other memory users. In that case, please forgive me for apologizing to you on her behalf, and of course, to me as well."
"Kiana, when did you meet with the Memory Maker? How come I didn't know?" Walter asked.
"It was probably a few years ago, when your center was investigating quantum computers on Mars. At that time, I encountered a memory user in a dream. He wanted to look into my memories without saying a word, but I stopped him."
"So it was Miss Kiana who stirred up an energy storm comparable to the Commander's in the Mirror of Memories a few years ago. No wonder the Memory Observer who was in charge of the investigation looked so helpless when she came back. It seems she didn't get any benefit from you at all."
"If we could have discussed it beforehand, I might have agreed, but she came up here and immediately chose to spy on my memories. If I hadn't been strong enough to drive her out of my consciousness, my memories would have been completely exposed to her."
"Are all the people in Liuguang Yiting this unreasonable?" March 7th said indignantly, recalling her experience on the Immortal Boat.
"I'm sorry, but when it comes to memories, those who remember often seem a bit unreasonable to ordinary people. But I can assure you that not everyone in the Flowing Light Memory Court is like that."
Black Swan tried to salvage Liuguang Yiting's image in everyone's eyes, but the effect was not very good. Helpless, she could only sigh and bring the topic back.
"Let's continue with our previous topic. In short, although Miss Fireworks' tricks can induce hallucinations, that bizarre dream has nothing to do with her; it originates from Pinocchio itself."
“Pinocone…in itself?” March 7 asked in confusion.
"Haven't you realized yet? The so-called dreamland... is actually the result of careful maintenance by the family through some unknown means, a beautifully designed dream. And the memory realm she fell into is the original form of the dream—chaotic, dangerous, mysterious... a labyrinth inhabited by all kinds of wild beasts (memory realm meme)..."
“She’s right,” Himeko said. “Everyone, do you remember the scenery when you entered the dream?”
Then everyone shared their own experiences of dreaming.
"Huh, so everyone sees the same thing?" March 7th exclaimed in surprise. "I remember... then there was a guest room, and then through the mirror I came to a long corridor..."
"The Thought Corridor," that's what the hotel staff call it.
"Don't you think these landscapes are quite different from the Pinocchio in your dreams... yet very similar to the dream described by Miss Black Swan?"
“Indeed… I didn’t pay much attention to it at first, but looking back, the two have quite a lot in common,” Walter said.
"And, I learned from some regular customers that the first stop after entering the dream was originally the hotel in the dream, but due to some unforeseen circumstances... the hotel is currently undergoing renovations," Himeko added.
"Under what circumstances would a mobile structure need repair?" Black Swan asked. "Considering her recent experience, the answer is clear. Pinocchio's dream is sinking, returning to its original state... falling into the deep sea (Memory Realm)."
This self-questioning and answering by the Black Swan reveals the truth of what Pinocchio is currently experiencing without reservation.
“Sinking? You mean… the dream world is collapsing?” March 7 asked.
“The encounter at the Dream Hotel was an omen,” the Black Swan replied.
“I see, that explains the incongruity in the family’s words.” Walter began to summarize, “If this news were to become known to the outside world, regardless of the actual safety of the guests, the reputation of the Star of the Grand Gathering would inevitably be affected. With the Harmonious Festival approaching, they have no choice but to keep this a secret.”
"The safety of the guests might not be guaranteed at all..." Black Swan retorted. "Isn't the monster she encountered the best proof? Should I remind you again? It's a memory realm meme..."
How could a meme alluding to death and murder appear in a dream where the family claims absolute safety… In Pinocchio, everyone can lie—perhaps even the family themselves?
“Miss Black Swan, we are fully aware of the current situation. Let’s go back to your initial proposal…” Himeko interrupted, “What were your reasons for choosing to cooperate with Star Train? You know, if I were to choose to cooperate, I would prefer to cooperate with Miss Kiana and the organization behind her, since Welt among us is one of their people.”
"Well, please allow me to correct you... This is my personal request, not on behalf of the Memoir Garden. The answer is simple, Ms. Himeko, I simply want to make an exchange... an exchange of memories. Beyond my duties, I also have some... personal aesthetic pursuits. I am a Memoir Receiver, and also a collector, and I also want to witness those crystalline, dazzling, precious memories—this idea is easy to understand, isn't it?"
And you, the nameless passengers of the Star Train, the practitioners of the pioneering path… I believe in your potential, and I believe in the unique brilliance you will shine on this stage. That's why I want to be friends with you all. The place where nightmares and dreams meet… it's perfect as a cradle of memories. However, I never expected that Mr. Welt would have such an intricate connection with Miss Kiana and the others.”
Black Swan then looked at Kiana again and said, "Being able to connect with an Envoy is a powerful connection in the entire universe. It seems that the only thing missing for the Star Train to return to its former glory is that person. It seems that I have another reason to befriend you all."
"...I understand. But we need to discuss this further before I can give you a reply."
"Of course, feel free to do so."
After speaking, Black Swan stepped aside to allow the Star Train passengers to discuss the matter. However, Kiana and Alicia preferred to discuss something else with Black Swan rather than the Star Train.
Kiana and Alicia then pulled Black Swan aside to begin another discussion.
allonlinenovel