Wearing the "Universal Glasses," Bronya activated the laser device and sent the gigantic Homu Guardian Knight to its grave.
All of these had been obtained from the treasure chests they found earlier. Only by gathering the mysterious items from all thirteen chests could one defeat the Golden Homu Guardian and open the path to the ultimate grand treasure—One Piece.
The smiling straw hat tied behind Pardo's back was also one of the thirteen legendary mysterious items. It was said to be able to reflect the Golden Homu Guardian's attacks.
"I, the Golden Homu Guardian, acknowledge you as the strongest."
After defeating the final Golden Guardian, Pardo—wearing the smiling Homu straw hat—and Bronya finally assembled before the true grand treasure: One Piece.
Pardo rubbed her hands impatiently, practically drooling. "Hehe, let me see what kind of treasure's hidden inside."
The heavy golden chest was opened by the two of them together. Golden light burst outward, and a gigantic two-meter-tall Homu plush doll appeared before them.
The classic Homu image, enhanced by a golden crown, looked even more noble. The entire plush resembled a sovereign ruler of the Homu world. Its eyes shimmered with mysterious power, exuding an aura that seemed to look down upon everything under heaven. Nothing could escape its gaze.
Pardo and Bronya were equally captivated. Pardo recognized it at once. This was the "Store Guardian Homu" from Zofia's company—a priceless collectible in the collector's circle: the "Limited Edition Golden Homu King"!
It had once sat in the central lobby of Homu Network Technology Co., Ltd., serving as the face of the company. Pardo had tried many times to borrow it for fun, only to be caught by Zofia every single time.
"Limited Edition Golden Homu King!" As a devoted Homu fan, Bronya also knew its reputation well. Her eyes sparkled with longing.
The Limited Edition Golden Homu King was said to be the foremost of Homu kings—the most ancient ruler of the Homu Kingdom. It possessed boundless power and wisdom, and it owned all the Homu treasures in the world. Within Homu Capital lay the supreme treasury known as the King's Treasure Vault. To obtain it was equivalent to obtaining everything in the world.
Seeing the joy on Bronya's face, Pardo smiled generously. "This Limited Edition Golden Homu King—I'll give it to Bronya."
Pardo extended her hands and carefully passed the plush to Bronya. She could feel the slight trembling in Bronya's palms—the emotion of being too overwhelmed to contain herself.
Pardo patted her chest and added, "Don't worry. I'm not charging today! I just made a huge haul, so I've got plenty of money. My treat!"
"Besides, compared to selling it and splitting the money, Bronya wants it more, right?"
"Mm-hmm!" Bronya jumped happily and threw her arms around Pardo.
"Thank you, Sister Pardo." Tears and laughter intertwined in her eyes as the two of them fell together into the embrace of the Homu King plush, happiness and joy flooding their hearts.
"Then Bronya will drive Sister Pardo later," Bronya proposed.
"Ah, let's skip the driving..."
...
Amid laughter and cheerful voices, time flew by. The happy hours slipped past quickly, and dusk descended quietly.
Everyone gathered once more at the entrance of Homu Park, chatting and laughing.
Vill-V was discussing and studying new Homu fantasy game combat techniques with Hua, such as Instant Expansion and the like. Pardo and Bronya each carried massive bags and a huge treasure chest on their backs, exchanging adventure experiences. Zofia, dressed in an adorable Homu mascot suit, waddled around happily like a lively little penguin. Kirsch was fiddling with her newly bought high-pressure Homu water gun. Su and Huck were helping share the burden brought on by the girls' impulsive shopping.
No one cared whether that so-called prince had enjoyed himself in the strange haunted house.
In any case, Lele had already gone to find something else to cover up that huge hole.
Out of sight, out of mind.
As for why Homu Park would have something that dangerous... Honkai could probably explain everything.
"I finally understand, Mr. Mad Hatter."
Huck gazed deeply at Mr. Mad Hatter, expressing the most sincere feelings in his heart.
"I always thought my blood had gone cold. I never imagined there would be a day it could warm again."
Ever since his family had been destroyed in a certain Honkai Eruption, it had been years since Huck had witnessed such a beautiful scene.
Everyone gathered together, laughing and sharing simple happiness—what a rare blessing and fortune that was.
Huck had originally been an ordinary person. It was only because of Honkai that he had been forced to temper himself, to become stronger, in order to protect the precious things behind him.
"In the face of the impending apocalypse, moments like this feel even more precious and unforgettable."
"Looking back at that Homu statue, I feel my heart reignited. Perhaps from the moment we step out of Homu Park's gates, our fate is destined to leave ordinary human life once again—to fight, to save the world. And once we go, we may never return."
"Thank you, Mr. Mad Hatter," Huck said with emotion. "The party you organized helped us rediscover our original aspirations."
Su maintained a calm expression, but inwardly he recalled what Vill-V had said to him earlier.
Uh... lately the Mad Hatter Party hasn't had much funding. Let's just take it easy and visit an amusement park instead. Amusement parks are cheaper than wars.
Although he knew the truth, Su couldn't say it. He could only nod and once again indicate that all of this had been part of the plan.
Yes, part of the cost-saving plan.
"Hahaha!" Huck couldn't help but laugh loudly. "There's no need to be modest. I know you truly care about every one of us, rather than treating us as disposable tools."
"It's precisely because we have such a thoughtful and reliable wise man as our leader that I feel at ease."
Su was about to respond when he suddenly felt something icy-cold on the tip of his nose.
"Hm? Is it snowing? But it's only July... Major Heat hasn't even passed yet..."
From afar came Vill-V's light shout: "Little Su, Uncle, stop spacing out and come take a commemorative photo!"
"Sister Vill-V, taking commemorative photos always feels dangerous..."
That was Pardo's advice.
Vill-V held a retro camera in one hand and wagged her finger. "Pardo, it's rare for everyone to gather together. Wouldn't it be a shame not to take some pictures?"
"Come on, Pardo. I'll leave the shutter button to you." After all, a shutter is still a 'door,' right? If it's handed to Felis, there's bound to be a surprise.
"Got it, Sister Vill-V. You press it like this, right?"
"Vill-V will command everyone's smiles. One... two... three... I hereby announce—the Mad Hatter Party is disbanded!"
"Huh?!"
Everyone gasped in shock.
Click.
"Mm, not bad expressions."
Vill-V held up the freshly printed photo. Every single person in it wore a stunned expression.
Noticing everyone's gaze focused on her, Vill-V nodded in satisfaction.
"Don't look at me. This was Mr. Mad Hatter's arrangement."
Thus, everyone turned their eyes toward Su.
Just recruited new members and already disbanding, huh.
Very Mad Hatter style.
Su shot Vill-V a subtle glance. He did know what was going on. Whatever plans there were, Vill-V always communicated with him in advance.
Since Mr. Mad Hatter had changed hands, then the foundation should change as well—like a cabinet reshuffle. The people could remain the same, but how it was organized would depend on his own ideas.
After all, the Mad Hatter Party was effectively Mr. Mad Hatter's will made manifest—his direct and exclusive force. If it didn't change, even Su would feel constrained.
So Vill-V had decisively disbanded it, allowing Su to reorganize it personally. That way, he would feel much more at ease.
Another point was that Vill-V truly had run out of money. That part was very important.
"I just think... you don't need to stake your lives. Perhaps what we do cannot change the greater tide, nor can it alter the coming of the apocalypse. Maybe accepting reality and living the rest of our days well is the better choice."
Su had never believed in fatalism. But after the impact of the Third Honkai Eruption, combined with Vill-V's words before it occurred, he had begun to overcorrect—almost starting to believe in destiny.
Yet Huck refuted him. "What are you saying? What you've done truly saved me—and tens of thousands of others! No one knows what impact their actions will have on the future. But as long as you believe your actions have meaning, people will still do them. Even if the ending is the same, different journeys give it different meaning. I've never forgotten those words."
Kirsch didn't speak, but she watched Su with burning eyes.
Vill-V could see that the two of them held a certain obsession regarding Honkai. But they were only ordinary people, not protagonists.
When ordinary people come into contact with Honkai, there is only one path—death.
That was also another reason Vill-V had disbanded the party.
"The happy Sisyphus, huh?"
Su knew that story as well.
He looked at everyone. Each wore a different expression.
That was right. One's fate should be chosen by oneself.
"In that case, the seats of the Mad Hatter Party will be reserved—but all actions will be suspended indefinitely. This is not an empty shell. It will instead become the bond connecting you and me."
In simple terms: no money, but bonds are available. Su truly understands my heart.
Vill-V nodded in deep approval.
Hearing that Mr. Mad Hatter still acknowledged the Mad Hatter Party, everyone finally felt relieved.
Overall, the Mad Hatter Party had merely changed form. There was nothing too significant about that.
"Hm?" Pardo looked at the instant photo in her hand and made a puzzled sound.
"What's wrong, Pardo? Did Su blink? Or did Kirsch forget to smile?"
"No... Sister Vill-V, it's just that... in the background... there are two people climbing the wall. Do you think they might be accomplices...?"