Chapter 348: A single bullet to show you my dying love?! The Marketing Development Department's evil deeds are exposed!
When the words [ May This Journey Lead Us Starward ] appeared on the screen, Guinaifen had a feeling.
This time, the Trailblaze Mission had truly come to a temporary close.
Just as she was about to open a web browser to search for Robin's new song, another scene and voice appeared on the screen!
This time, it was a familiar face!
"It is a pleasure to hear your voice again. Congratulations on becoming the biggest winner behind the scenes of this grand festival."
This was… Jade's voice!
Although she hadn't had much screen time in the previous plot, her voice left a deep impression!
Guinaifen could only lower her raised hand once again.
Yet another one! Just when she thought it was over, something new appeared!
Three times! Three times already! How many twists and turns are left in this plot? Bring them all out, let me watch them all at once!
It looked like this post-credits scene came from the IPC faction.
The scene shifted to a hotel room.
The person on the other end of the remote communication with Jade was Aventurine.
Aventurine: "Did you call me all the way here just to tease me?"
"Far from it. I am merely marveling at how you managed not to lose once again. Not only did you venture deep into the wolves' den alone and uncover the truth of Dreamflux Reef, but you also escaped unscathed with the help of that Knight of Beauty…"
"Oh, and that recording you received from your Trailblazer friend—it is already the most valuable chip on this gambling table."
"However, as the price of winning all this… losing a Cornerstone is still far too expensive. Diamond has just called a meeting—a meeting about you."
Aventurine's eyes narrowed slightly as he said calmly, "As expected. So, is Diamond planning to demote me, or kick me straight out of the Stonehearts?"
Inside the IPC starship, Aventurine was paying close attention to this part of the plot!
This concerned his own future! At the very end of the Penacony Trailblaze Mission, Feathered Spirit actually hadn't forgotten to wrap up his side of the story. It wasn't easy!
Beside him, Topaz showed an interested expression.
In the game's plot, due to the failure of the debt collection project, she suffered a demotion from P 45 to P 44 as punishment.
But in reality, because of the massive popularity of Honkai: Star Rail, after watching the Belobog storyline, Topaz had immediately proposed a joint project with Belobog to develop it into a tourism planet.
Although she didn't bring the planet under the IPC's direct ownership, it was still a major project that brought in a huge flow of capital.
So in reality, not only was she not demoted, but she was also rewarded for it!
This was the power of seizing the opportunities brought by Honkai: Star Rail!
Now, this opportunity had fallen to Aventurine.
The situation in Penacony was currently complex. The plot also hinted that other secrets were still hidden here.
Additionally, players across the universe were now paying close attention to this place.
Taking over this place might be even more difficult than in the game. But if they shifted their direction, perhaps… they could create even greater wealth.
It all depended on how Aventurine seized this opportunity!
They continued to watch the plot.
"An opportunity like this doesn't come often. Why not place a bet?" Jade said in an eager tone.
"Hmph, fine. Then I'll bet—that he's going to promote me to P 46, right?"
"Hmm, and what are you prepared to wager?"
Aventurine smiled. "A real wager or a fake one? I don't want to pawn anything to you, lest I get eaten alive."
"But if it's just for fun, let's do it like when we first met—I'll bet my life, milady."
…
"Just for fun"
"Betting his life? I feel like he's got this!"
"Aventurine has never lost a bet involving his life."
"My goodness, do you guys in the IPC always play this hard?"
"This is the flavor, this is the true IPC!"
"Opponent: 'Let's keep it small today, just Credit Points.' Aventurine: 'I bet my life.'"
"Congratulations in advance on Director Aventurine's promotion!"
"Aventurine! My good brother, stop gambling! Seize the moment and transition into a dance content creator, dancing to 'White Night' in your live stream room every day. It's guaranteed to blow up!"
…
On the other end of the line, Jade remained perfectly calm.
"Intriguing. But since that is Diamond's decision, no one can guess the answer in advance."
"I am on my way to Penacony. Once the remaining matters are settled, we shall return to Pier Point together to face the reveal."
Aventurine: "Sounds like there's nothing for me to do for a while. Does that mean I can enjoy my vacation?"
"Leave it to Topaz and me, child. Thanks to you, the moment the Jade Cornerstone was delivered into the Family's territory, the IPC's setup was already complete."
Jade's tone grew slightly deeper.
"The seeds sown have already taken root, and next… comes the harvest."
At that moment, Aventurine suddenly let out a confused sound.
He looked toward the room's main door.
"…Hmm?"
Sure enough, the sound of approaching footsteps and a door opening rang out!
"Let's stop here. It seems a guest has arrived…"
After hanging up the call, the uninvited guest stepped inside.
Cowboy boots stepped onto the floor. The newcomer walked right up to Aventurine.
Aventurine shook his head. "Oh? There are certainly many novelties today. A Galaxy Ranger and a wanted criminal actually delivering himself right to my doorstep—"
"—and taking out two IPC employees right under the nose of the IPC fleet. Do you know what that means?"
Boothill's eyes widened. As soon as he spoke, the flavor of a seasoned veteran of the cosmos burst forth!
"Go to your mother-loving Wubbaboo! I just put 'em to sleep. Don't you dare use that baby-kissing threat on me. Besides, the IPC dogs I've put down outnumber the surplus value you've squeezed out. I don't mind adding a few more zeros to my bounty…"
"I've got questions for you. Play nice, or I'll shoot you to love right now—"
With that, Boothill drew his revolver.
The muzzle pointed straight at Aventurine!
The live stream chat instantly exploded with activity!
…
"Old Boothill, what are you doing!"
"Aventurine's expression… is just short of having three question marks pop up on his forehead."
"He completely stunned Aventurine."
"Aventurine: 'I feel harassed… but I'm not sure.'"
"I've already started laughing."
"The atmosphere was supposed to be serious, but Boothill's shout completely broke me…"
"Ten steps to love a person."
"One gun pointed at a Stoneheart, pointed at an Emanator of IX, pointed at a High Elder of the Vidyadhara [ facepalm ]"
…
After a brief standoff, Boothill gritted his teeth and asked, "Tell me… where is Oswaldo Schneider [ head of the Marketing Development Department ]?"
After he asked this, the screen slowly faded to black.
The words [ To Be Continued ] appeared.
[ In Our Time, and then on the Eighth Day… Mission Completed ]
Although the mission was over, the final scene sparked an intense discussion!
Earlier during Aventurine's storyline, some knowledgeable viewers in the chat had explained the atrocities committed by the Marketing Development Department.
Now that this name had appeared, experts in the chat immediately came forward to explain again!
…
"The tragedy of Aventurine's clan is also related to Oswaldo. In fact, you could say they share a blood feud!"
"Here is the explanation—"
"On Kakavasha's birthday, Kakava Day, the Avigins anticipated that the Katicans clan would launch a sudden raid during the festival. But this time, they had secured the IPC's help, so they decided to fight the Katicas to the death."
"Kakavasha's sister and clan hoped that Kakavasha, a child blessed by the Gaiathra Triclops, would survive, so they didn't let him participate in the battle."
"However, the result was… the second Katica-Avigin extinction event still occurred!"
"Many Avigins, including Kakavasha's sister, were slaughtered by the Katicas. The IPC did not provide the Avigins with the promised help during the incident."
"And the IPC department responsible for preserving that planet at the time was none other than the Marketing Development Department."
"In fact, some in-game texts hint that this extinction event was orchestrated behind the scenes by the Marketing Development Department."
"Ah?"
"Thanks to the expert for the explanation!"
"Damn it! I knew the Marketing Development Department was up to no good!"
"The Strategic Investment Department and the Marketing Development Department just happen to be bitter rivals too!"
"The Strategic Investment Department is still better! The Ten Stonehearts love each other like family! They can even trustingly put their Cornerstones on the line!"
"Allies, they are allies!"
"Aventurine: 'Why didn't you say so earlier, brother? We can team up and shoot him to love together!'"