Honkai Impact: Dreams and the Holy Grail, but the Servant is Rei.

"A familiar scene, tinged with an unfamiliar atmosphere, rushes towards you. You have returned to the first day of the Holy Grail War..." [Xi Lian] continued to narrate in a gentle and soothing tone.

Meng Weiyu finally opened her eyes with all her might, and found herself floating in a spacious room filled with books, scrolls and pages from a strange perspective.

In the center of the room was a huge magic circle, and another version of himself, exactly like him, was watching him with a complex expression...

Meng Weiyu looked at her fluffy pink paws and then suddenly woke up from her dream!

Looking at his hand, which had returned to normal, he breathed a sigh of relief.

That scared me to death! It was just a dream...

Why did I become Mimi in my dream? Oh my god, could that [Xi Lian] be the Star God of Joy in disguise?

He did say He wouldn't offer any help afterward, but He didn't say He wouldn't give him any fun...

But there are hundreds or even thousands of ways to prank someone through dreams, so why is this particular kind of fun? Is it some kind of hint?

And after playing [Fireworks], he's now dressing up as [Xi Lian]? Is he on a one-way street to cross-dressing...?

Where is the real [Xi Lian] now?

Meng Weiyu looked around and found himself lying on a seat in the observation car of the Starry Sky Train, but the furnishings inside the car were significantly different from what he had seen in the game, as if they were from a different era...

"Hey buddy, I'm here." In his mind, the image of Caster [Xi Lian] appeared with a smile next to the system in his mind.

"This is already the second Holy Grail War," she reminded her.

Meng Weiyu saw Pam cleaning at the other end of the carriage. Pam had clearly noticed him and nodded at him.

“You’re awake, Mikhail.” Pam smiled at him.

As a veteran player of Honkai Impact 3rd and a meticulous reader of the story text, Meng Weiyu felt the hairs on his body stand on end!

Ragvolk Charles Mikhail, the nameless passenger on the Starry Sky Train, was also one of the founders of Pinocene!

The dream that Aha just played wasn't telling Meng Weiyu's own story at all; it was using Meng Weiyu's own experiences to recount the past of the legendary "watchmaker"!

Chapter 61 Old Friends

Inside the "tavern," the door to the top-floor room was pushed open, and a burly but decadent and languid middle-aged man slowly walked in.

He was dressed in wrinkled casual clothes, had messy hair, and even his eyes looked slightly melancholy—he looked exactly like Gallagher!

"Do those who follow the paths of memory and mystery both like to impersonate others?" Meng Weiyu, dressed in white and wearing the upper half of a Fool's Mask, said coldly.

"Those who remember disguise themselves as others to acquire memories. As for me, I came here in his form simply to commemorate my old friend, whom later generations called the 'Liar's Cup.'" Gallagher smiled.

The Galah that Meng Weiyu encountered in the game was also a fabrication created by a fictional historian codenamed "The Deceitful Cup" during the Pinocchio War of Independence.

Gallagher's memories are mixed with those of the fictional historian, and he possesses the fictional historian's relatively complete personality.

The [Gallach] in front of me is probably a fictional being that is extremely close to the real thing.

"A fictional person whose 'secret' will disappear once revealed is telling me what he really is. How interesting. Do you think I'll believe him?" Meng Weiyu raised an eyebrow.

“I have no reason to lie to you. I’m just a messenger. I’ll disappear once my mission is accomplished.” [Gallach] leaned lazily against the wall by the door, sipping his canned drink.

"Was it another [fictional historian]? That is, a friend of [the Deceitful Cup] who asked you to send it over?" [Meng Weiyu] asked.

"I originally intended to give it to [Yi Ting], but unfortunately they refuse to accept anything from [Fictional Historians] no matter what." [Galach] chuckled self-deprecatingly.

If it were another version of myself within the Holy Grail, I think I would be internally ranting about the actions of this "fictional historian" right now.

“Then on my way back, I accidentally met your Lord. He found it amusing and sent me here,” [Gallach] continued.

Is this a new script? Meng Weiyu, the Masked Fool, has made a guess about the nature of "faith".

"It's a backup of Pinocchio's past history," Gallagher calmly announced.

"The fictional historian you speak of once said: 'It was people who built Pinocchio, not some destiny. This land wasn't born beautiful; it was the blood of countless heroes that dyed it the color of happiness. Their names should not be forgotten by posterity.'"

The fictional character downed the can of liquor in one gulp, and then his body, having been exposed, slowly dissipated...

Somewhere in the Holy Grail, in a place resembling a movie theater auditorium where Saber [Yun Li], Archer [Yan Qing], and Rider [Scott] were previously located, is now deserted.

Three rows of spacious and comfortable seats, like small sofas, have disappeared; only the dark night sky dotted with stars on the ceiling remains.

Inside the space, apart from the giant screen that still displays the scene from the script, all the other furnishings and backgrounds have undergone a complete transformation.

A huge rectangular conference table stood vertically not far from the giant screen, with eight seats on each side.

Each of the eight seats on either side has a nameplate that reads "ruler, saber, archer, lancer, rider, caster, and assassin" in that order.

Each row of opposite seats has the same nameplate, the only difference being that one side is red and the other side is black.

Two figures suddenly appeared out of nowhere at the positions of the red and black "rulers".

"Long time no see, Mikhail. I never expected to meet you again in a place like this." The man who spoke was dressed in a formal suit-like tuxedo, wearing round glasses, and with small wings and a halo unique to the Sky Ring Clan beside his dark hair.

He looked at the young and handsome ruler [Mikhail] opposite him, with silver hair, and gave a faint smile.

“I never expected to meet you at this time, Mr. Gopher.” Mikhail’s eyes were filled with complex emotions. “The past is truly something to miss. Back then, you were a saint of impeccable character.”

“Even if there is an audience, there’s no need to continue with the sarcastic remarks. Neither you nor I are the original entities now; we are all characters in this [script].” Ruler [Gopher Wood] looked at the twinkling stars on the ceiling. “I was also sent by a family in the Montor system, which led to all the subsequent stories.”

“That famous [Clockmaker] is dead. I, who inherited his memories, am probably just his ghost.” [Mikhail] showed a lost expression. “Your original self is still alive. What’s the point of us being summoned here and fighting to the death?”

"So, what exactly is your purpose in summoning us, my friend? Is it to witness the conflict and strife between me and my old friend?" [Gopher Wood] pushed up his black-rimmed glasses and narrowed his eyes.

He and Mikhail simultaneously looked towards the other end of the long table, at a young man dressed in white and wearing the upper half of a Fool's Mask.

"As you both probably already know, Ruler is a special class summoned in certain Holy Grail Wars to maintain order, and its duty is to uphold the rules of the Holy Grail War. This is also the main reason why I asked you two to appear here." [Meng Weiyu] The two important figures calmly looked at each other.

Although these two famous figures can almost be considered the "founding fathers" of Pinocchio today, neither of them exuded the majesty and aura of a leader.

"How did you summon us, Mr. [Pioneer] and [Masked Fool] from beyond the realm?" [Mikhail] scrutinized the young man in white with a look of scrutiny towards a junior.

“A fictional historian sent a copy of Pinocchio’s history here, and it was through this copy that I summoned you two.” Meng Weiyu looked at the other party with the same sincerity as a junior facing an elder.

“Massive alterations to history will only allow ‘fictional historians’ to exploit loopholes,” Ruler Mikhail said sarcastically, glancing at the other arbiter beside him, Ruler Gopher.

"Back when our original body changed back the history that guy (the Liar Cup) wrote, it took a lot of effort." [Gopher Wood] did not comment on what his original body later instructed the family to do, but only responded with the past of the two of them.

"I'm also very curious about the history of Pinocchio. I'd like to take this opportunity of the Holy Grail War to ask you two about the little-known history of Pinocchio after the Star Core blocked the space route in the Amber Calendar 2147." Meng Weiyu asked the two sincerely.

"I was invited to the Asdna system later. You should ask the other person involved about the initial part," [Gopher Wood] said with a helpless smile.

"The part I personally experienced also began when the Star Train arrived in the Asdna system." [Mikhail] looked at the train speeding through the universe and the familiar star system on the giant screen, his eyes filled with a dreamlike, nostalgic look.

"But at that time, it seemed that no swarms of [breeding] insects followed us there." His tone suddenly changed as he saw the overwhelming black dots surging toward the train in the distance on the giant screen.

“They are not a swarm of insects, they are berserkers,” Meng Weiyu explained.

Chapter 62 Archer [Tirnan] and Caster [Lazarina]

"My dearest friend—Tirnan, a skilled gunman, was the train's guard, strong and reliable. He led the Asdna people through the war against the outside world (the Interstellar Peace Corporation), but because of these things, he couldn't hold on until the day when peace truly arrived." Ruler [Mikhail] showed a reminiscing expression.

"Ten years after the ceasefire, Pinocone was beset by internal and external troubles. For the sake of Asdna, Tirnan revived the path of [Exploration], leading the [Lampmoth Family] to explore beyond the star system, only to be surrounded by a swarm of insects... and wiped out." [Mikhail] looked at the swarm of insects surging toward the Star Train on the screen, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust.

"In fact, Tirnan was rescued by a group of Sea Rangers during the swarm's attack. In return, he assisted the Sea Rangers in a campaign against the [Destruction] Envoy and assassinated the Annihilation Lord [Zhu Luo]," Meng Weiyu said calmly.

ruler [Mikhail] suddenly turned his head and stared at the young man in white with disbelief.

"He and his band of seafaring knights sacrificed themselves, making the entire world witness the fall of the Annihilation Lord, but the relics he left behind saved Pinocchio from the crisis that followed your death..."

Meng Weiyu reached out and, using the ceremonial attire left behind by another person, Xi Lian—"As I Write"—as well as the system's golden attribute "Pioneer Memory," created a memory crystal. He solemnly handed it to Mikhail and gently placed it in the other's slightly trembling hand.

【Gopher Wood】watched this scene quietly, its clear, watery eyes reflecting some unforgettable memories of the past...

"What a wonderful day! I inexplicably ended up in this godforsaken place, and then ran into a bunch of disgusting bugs." Inside the Starry Sky Train, Meng Weiyu, who was greatly shocked to learn that she was playing the role of [Mikhail], heard an extremely familiar voice.

"Hey, hey, don't step on it! Tiernan passenger! I just swept this!" Pam, who was cleaning, shouted at the black-and-white haired cyborg cowboy.

Meng Weiyu looked up and saw [Tirnan], or rather—archer [Potio], not far away!

Even though he knew the real Potio's personality very well, Meng Weiyu instantly went on high alert when he recalled being attacked by Silver Branch, Yun Li, and Yan Qing without listening to their explanations during the first Holy Grail War.

Layers of enchanted transparent barriers enveloped him, and the range of his time-stopping domain was set to within seven steps.

"Damn it, it seems you little cutie aren't originally meant to be here." Archer [Potio] grinned happily as he saw this, and pulled out a pistol, aiming it at Meng Weiyu.

“Mikhail passenger? Ternan passenger? What’s wrong with you, Pam!” The train conductor and mascot Pam looked at the two men who were about to clash, completely bewildered.

"Please don't be impulsive, we are all nameless passengers. As members of this train, we have experienced so many life-and-death trials. Let's talk this out." A familiar female voice rang out.

A girl with pink hair and a purple dress pushed open the carriage door; she was none other than Caster [Xi Lian]!!!

Only then did Meng Weiyu notice that [Xi Lian] was no longer in his mind. Perhaps, while Meng Weiyu was still reeling from the shock of realizing he was Mikhail, she had sensed something and quietly left his mind...

“Miss Lazarina, you’ve finally arrived, Pam! What’s going on with those two today?” Pam exclaimed as if she had seen a savior.

“The Asdna galaxy possesses abundant memory matter, and everyone has likely been affected to some extent.” After saying this, Caster [Xi Lian] smiled and winked at Meng Weiyu.

Lazarina Jane Estella, an unnamed passenger and surveyor on the Star Train, is a vibrant and curious young scholar. She hails from the Dorena Urd Galaxy, a system of academic dictatorship and influenced by the concept of "memory," and specializes in memory dynamics.

【Xi Lian】using the knowledge and past memories about Lazarina that she had gained from the Second Holy Grail War, she made up a story in a serious tone.

Archer [Potio] looked at [Xilian] with a questioning gaze, unable to determine whether she was the real Lazarina or, like himself and the black-haired young man in pioneer attire opposite him, someone who had impersonated someone else to come here.

As an Archer Servant who inherited the original's rugged personality and most of the abilities of the Sea Ranger, after seeing that Meng Weiyu was only assuming a defensive stance, Potio decided to temporarily heed [Lazarina's] advice: he lowered the muzzle of his gun, but did not let his guard down.

“Leave this to me, you can continue with your work and don’t worry about us,” [Xi Lian] comforted her.

“Okay, Pam.” Pam nodded to her and continued cleaning on the other side of the carriage.

Meng Weiyu nodded to [Xi Lian], and understandingly constructed a soundproof transparent barrier to separate them from Pam, who seemed unaware of it.

“Mr. [Tirnan], your way of speaking is quite interesting,” [Xilian] said with a smile.

Damn it, I should tell her everything I know next time I have the chance! Only then did Meng Weiyu realize that Caster [Xi Lian] didn't know anything about the Sea Ranger Potio.

“My synesthetic beacon (a neurally-based synchronous translation device) has been modified, so now you can only hear me talking to these damn loveless little cuties.” Archer [Potio] shrugged.

"Little cutie! Little cutie! Little cutie! Look... this is the effect." He demonstrated it to Meng Weiyu and caster [Xi Lian] in a swearing tone.

It doesn't sound vulgar, but the insults are really dirty... Meng Weiyu muttered to herself.

"At the beginning, you said there were a bunch of disgusting bugs here?" Meng Weiyu recalled what [Potio] had said at the beginning. As she spoke, she gave [Xi Lian] a subtle wink, signaling her to come to her side quickly and pass on the memories and information.

“Yes, he has a whole bunch of them.” Archer [Potio] shouted impatiently, looking out the empty windows of the observation car. “But now I can’t see anything!”

At the same time, Xi Lian instantly understood Meng Weiyu's meaning and walked quickly toward him with a smile.

"Partner, be careful! The illusion around you is created by the scales of a real stinging insect!" A warning from [Xi Lian] suddenly appeared in Meng Weiyu's memory.

In reality, at the positions of [Pam] and [Xilian], two enormous true stinging insects rushed towards Meng Weiyu one after the other in an instant!

Chapter 63 The Night of Cosmic Illusion

In the conference room-like screening room, Ruler [Mikhail] closed his eyes slightly and held the memory crystal tightly in his hand, learning from it about Pinocchio's fate after his death, as well as the story of the Star Train known to [Meng Weiyu].

[Gopher Wood] glanced at the former, then turned his gaze back to the giant screen. Although his physical body had lost its physical form and even sided with [Order], he was still alive, so he didn't need anyone to tell him what had happened next.

"I once read about True Stinging Insects in the Starry Sky Train's think tank. When these insects flap their wings, the fiber fragments on their bodies are shaken off, causing hallucinations in those who inhale them." Dressed in white and wearing the upper half of the Fool's Mask, Meng Weiyu calmly stated, looking at the two enormous True Stinging Insects.

“I’m afraid this train has been infiltrated by even more True Stinging Insects. These creatures are extremely elusive; they may be hiding in the shadows or wandering around…” [Gopher Wood] pushed up his black-rimmed glasses.

"If we fail to stop them from breeding new eggs, the consequences will be unimaginable," he added solemnly.

“They are not ordinary true stinging insects; they are all ‘it’ that can self-replicate—berserkers who have lost their sanity in exchange for increased attributes,” Meng Weiyu said softly.

"These insects probably have no sense of reason whatsoever," [Gopher Wood] shook his head. "Then your main actors are in for a rough time..."

As soon as he finished speaking, [Gofemu] showed a surprised expression, and [Mikhail], who was not far away, also opened his eyes.

On the giant screen, a dark brown insect with red glow swooped down like a peregrine falcon toward Meng Weiyu, who was dressed in pioneer attire, but crashed hard into the transparent barrier. The meter-thick barrier cracked, but quickly healed itself.

Inside the barrier, Meng Weiyu summoned the illusory and transparent sword [Slaying Illusion], waving it in the air like a child, and then two real stinging insects that kept hitting the barrier appeared in his eyes.

Instead of withdrawing the barrier to launch an attack, he cautiously projected more barriers around him!

These barriers are not for defense; they not only block all escape routes for the two insects, but also continuously shrink their living space.

In the game, the reddish-brown insects have the ability to continuously divide and replicate, while the yellowish-brown ones can launch self-destruct attacks.

But Meng Weiyu didn't intend to gamble on what skills the insects had. He wanted to use the safest and most reliable method: to completely crush the two insects by using a thick barrier that constantly compressed the space!

Archer [Potio] saw this scene and his eyes widened slightly. The way the other party manipulated the barrier reminded him of the company's [Storage] ability.

"Damn it, are you one of the 'City Builders' or one of those company's people?" He raised the gun he had already lowered and pointed it at Meng Weiyu again.

He blinked again and then realized that the other person was no longer the black-haired youth wearing the Trailblazers' uniform, but Oswaldo Schneider—the enemy he had always wanted to kill!