As his words faded, the flames suddenly flared up. Ratio's figure disappeared entirely from the space station.
At that moment, Ratio's image, in this conclusion, achieved ultimate sublimation.
Both his cold demeanor and his life experiences merged perfectly with the impactful words of his fading silhouette.
The audience finally understood why this episode was titled The Crown of the Mundane and Divine!
---------------------------------
...
: Damn! So that's how it is! All the stories ultimately turned into contrast groups!
: This line from Ratio is absolutely iconic; I could watch it a hundred times! It's so brilliant!
: The crown of the mundane and the divine—it turns out that Ruan Mei, this genius who doesn't care about others, is pursuing pure knowledge. That's why she caught the glance of the Erudition. This is the crown of a genius!
: As for Ratio, he's like a mentor who wants to heal people's spirits, teaching them to stand tall!
: No wonder, no wonder the professor's title is "Doctor of Truth."
: So this is the real truth.
...
Ratio saw through the blind worship of geniuses among the crew in the space station.
In his eyes, this was an epidemic where everyone had contracted a sickness.
To cure it, drastic measures were necessary.
Coincidentally, the plan of the Duke Inferno was discovered, and Ratio used it as a stage.
Within a controlled range, he ensured the safety of the people while creating external pressure.
Without Ratio, following the typical methods of the Annihilation Gang, these space station members would have been thrown into space without protection long ago. Whether their bodies could survive or not would be another story.
Instead of blindly following geniuses, he focused on each individual.
Like himself, unable to catch the gaze of the Erudition, so he focused more on humanity itself.
Knowledge was just his scalpel.
Ruan Mei is beautiful and speaks softly, but she has pure rationality without a sense of good or evil. You could even say she has almost ascended to divinity.
She sees everything as her experimental objects, and all her actions are based on logical judgment.
Ratio, on the other hand, has a sharp tongue and shows no mercy, but he cares more about mortals than anyone else.
Even though he claims seeing fools will make him feel like killing them, when he sees a fool trying to think for themselves, Ratio might coldly mock them on the surface but secretly appreciate the effort.
As he said, a failed life is still a life. In this universe, a life not glanced at by the Erudition is still called a life.
The Crown of the Mundane and Divine!.
Ordinary people and geniuses each have their own achievements.
At this moment, the audience felt like they had just attended an exhilarating lesson on humanistic care.
Their minds were filled with Ratio's teachings.
...
: Ratio is truly cold on the outside but warm-hearted, and the contrast with Ruan Mei is too striking.
: The character design in Honkai: Star Rail is getting more and more intricate.
: Argenti, Ruan Mei, Ratio—these three are all recent additions. In such a short plotline, their characters are fully fleshed out.
: And each one has more depth than the last.
: Argenti and the pure beauty behind him—you could even see some in the minor dialogues.
: After today, Ruan Mei and Ratio will surely become hot topics for storyline discussions.
...
The bullet comments flooded the screen.
Fans were thoroughly satisfied and growing more fond of Honkai: Star Rail.
Meanwhile, on-screen, with everything finally resolved, Stelle could finally return to the express.
As soon as she stepped back, she noticed that everyone on the express was gathered around a small TV, watching something.
"What is this...?" Stelle moved closer, looking up at the screen.
On the small TV screen, the Universal IPC News was being broadcast.
One of the presenters had a face and voice very familiar to the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Good evening,"
"Welcome to The Family's Charmony Festival announcement ceremony! I'm your host, Owlbert!"
Owlbert, dressed impeccably, used his wings to hold a microphone, bowing politely to the audience.
Then, the camera zoomed out.
In the background of Owlbert's studio appeared a magnificent building.
"The grand event that only happens once every Amber Age, the Charmony Festival, is about to take place. The entire universe's eyes are fixed on the place of this celebration—Penacony!"
"Tonight, we'll bring you the latest updates on this year's Charmony Festival!"
"Let's welcome the host of the Charmony Festival, Mr. Sunday!"
Perhaps because it was pre-recorded, Owlbert's tone was more formal than during his live streams.
Meanwhile, the audience was already overwhelmed with surprise and excitement.
This was the first time information about Penacony had appeared on screen!
As Owlbert finished speaking, a calm, gentle, and charming figure appeared, seated casually on the sofa opposite him.
Due to Mr. Sunday's busy schedule, he couldn't attend in person. Instead, the news conference was conducted through a holographic projection.
"Good evening, everyone," Mr. Sunday greeted softly, his tone warm and approachable.
Although this was breaking news from the Honkai: Star Rail, Owlbert's live-streaming style made the viewers feel as if they were actually living in that universe, watching the broadcast firsthand.
The immersive experience was unparalleled, causing the audience to go wild.
...
: Ahhh! Penacony is coming!"
: Sunday? What a strange name, but wow, he's so handsome!!"
: He looks so gentle—keep adding more handsome characters, Honkai: Star Rail!"
: I want to go to Penacony right now!"
...
Back in the studio, Owlbert rubbed his wings together and flattered "Welcome, Mr. Sunday! Your presence lights up the studio."
"Hahaha, Mr. Owlbert, you flatter me," Sunday replied, smiling.
"Thanks to the invitation from the Interstellar Peace Corporation's media, I have this opportunity to introduce the Charmony Festival to the entire galaxy."
"And, of course, the venue— The Planet of Festivities, Penacony."
As Sunday spoke, a grand and opulent building appeared on the large screen behind him.
"Penacony is located in the Asdana star system."
"For years, it has been renowned across the universe as a prime vacation destination, earning the title of 'Land of the Dreams.'"
"Here, you can journey between reality and dreams, experiencing unparalleled, breathtaking dreamscapes."
Scenes of luxurious theaters, sprawling cityscapes, and a modern yet decadent atmosphere were showcased on the screen, oozing extravagance.
"Haha, it looks amazing! If I had time off, I'd definitely head over to support the family," Owlbert joked, before steering the conversation back on track "By the way, Mr. Sunday, could you explain how this year's Charmony Festival is different from previous ones?"
Sunday smiled politely and replied, "The Charmony Festival is a tradition of Penacony, with a long-standing history. This time, we've taken a significant step forward."
"For the first time, the Penacony family has extended invitations to all corners of the universe, sending out invitations to many well known factions."
"We warmly welcome everyone to join this grand celebration."
"During this event, me and Robin will attend as representatives of the family."
"And for uninvited guests, we has adopted an open stance."
"For example, the Stellaron Hunters. And even the Annihilation Gang."
One shocking revelation followed another.
Images of Duke Ifrit and Kafka flashed across the screen.
"Since the invitations were sent out, we've received countless responses," Sunday continued.
"Tonight, we'll also take this opportunity to announce the list of attendees for the gala."
A short video began playing.
Owlbert's dynamic narration followed "All hail the 'Preservation' Amber King, the galaxy's most promising economy…"
"The senior executive of the Interstellar Peace Corporation, and one of the rumored Ten Stone-Hearted, Mr. Aventurine!"
The majestic symphony of the Preservation path from the Myriad Celestia Trailer played.
At a card table, holding a chip, dressed in dazzling attire, with an arrogant smirk, Aventurine stared directly at the camera.
Before the audience could react, the footage shifted again.
"Explore, learn, build, and connect."
"Inheriting the Trailblazers, followers of the path of Akivili, the nameless guests…"
"Laying tracks that connect planet to planet, from aboard the Astral Express, we have the Navigator Miss Himeko and the entire Astral Express crew, which will soon arrive at Penacony!"
A stunning image of Himeko appears.
"Trade knowledge for wisdom, and strategize to perfection. With an academic network of shared resources, surpass the limits of individuality!"
"Dr. Ratio, renowned scholar of the Intelligentsia Guild!"
A photo of the professor appears, as carefree as ever—he's soaking in a bath, shirtless, looking at the camera with an expression of utter disinterest.
...
: Whoa, whoa, whoa! So much is happening! And so much information!
: Finally, Aventurine steps into the spotlight! Damn, he's kinda handsome, but this look fits the vibe of a hypocritical elite perfectly.
: No wonder the professor is in this episode—it's all for Penacony!
: The Nameless are even more influential than we thought. Look at these words: 'arrival,' no less. Wow.
: I can't wait any longer! Damn you, MiHoYo! How am I supposed to live until the next few days?
...
The screen is practically covered with bullet comments.
But it's not over yet!
"'Thought is existence.'"
"'Memory is proof of existence.'"
"'Dedicated to the preservation and storing of memory.'"
"'Shed the flesh and travel the stars, from the Garden of Recollection—Ms. Black Swan!'"
Wearing a purple fortune-teller's headscarf and wavy white hair, Black Swan's outfit has been subtly modified, making her even more elegant yet still exuding a mysterious aura. Viewers immediately recognize her.
It's the female character from the first of Myriad Celestia Trailer!
No one expected her to appear in Penacony. In an instant, countless bullet comments pledged allegiance to Black Swan.
Owlbert's narration continues.
"The cosmos is indifferent, yet joy can dissolve sorrow."
"Never give up, never despair, never cry, never submit."
"Ms. Sparkle will attend the festival on behalf of the Masked Fools."
Sparkle, with twin ponytails and a fox mask, is almost unbearably cute! It's hard to imagine that such an adorable girl is also a Masked Fool, like Sampo.
By now, five factions and five characters have made their appearance.
Viewers stare at their screens, breathless.
"Is there more? Is there more?"
There is!
A familiar insignia appears.
"Walking the path of Hunt, traveling from one star to another."
"Upholding justice, eliminating evil, and stepping onto a new journey."
"They've been out of the spotlight for too long. Ms. Acheron will represent the 'Galaxy Rangers' and take the stage once more!"
Acheron stands in the rain, holding a red umbrella, her face partially obscured by her hair. In a single moment, her mystique and power captivate the audience.
And so it ends.
Preservation, Trailblaze, Remembrance, Elation, and Hunt.
The symbols of the five Paths appear side by side on the screen.
Beneath them, the names of factions previously only mentioned in official materials are displayed.
"On behalf of the family, I cordially invite you to Penacony."
The screen fades out with a bow from the host, Sunday.
...
: It's too much! I'm overflowing with excitement! I can't handle it!
: Who understands? I'm trembling with excitement! There are five Paths! Every character, every faction, and even the Aeons are blowing my mind.
: I can't believe what kind of story Penacony will unfold.
: And that's not all—the Stellaron Hunters and the Remembrance are part of this too.
: Not to mention Harmony and the Family. If all these forces collide, it might spark a universal war!
: Kill me now! Why did Honkai: Star Rail have to show this so early? I still have a week to wait!
: There are so many new characters, I can't even process them all!
: The Galaxy Rangers and Acheron—belong to Hunt. She looks so fierce!
: And Hunt has a strong sense of justice, so they definitely won't get along with the corporation. Heh, Aventurine, you're in trouble! Whatever your schemes in Penacony, they're doomed!
: Absolutely! Go, Acheron, bring righteous destruction to those corporate lackeys!
...
The episode The Crown of the Mundane and Divine ends with an explosive climax.
Even so, viewers did not leave, fervently discussing the upcoming plot.
Meanwhile, Xia Wen watching the broadcast clicked his tongue.
"This is just the beginning."
Penacony's promotional material is endless.
For the next week, he has already prepared for an overwhelming wave of teasers!