The air in the Interastral Peace Corporation's internal investigation room was cold and stagnant, filled only by the faint hum of recording equipment and the investigator's emotionless voice.

"Mr. Aventurine?" the investigator repeated. Aventurine seemed to jolt awake from some train of thought. He raised an eyebrow, quirked his mouth, let his gaze fall for a moment, then lifted it again, casting a look of amusement back at the investigator's face. "Well, 'Mr. Judge'?" he drawled. "We are not judges, Mr. Aventurine," the investigator corrected coldly. "Of course not," Aventurine chuckled under his breath, almost inaudibly. "The internal investigation has begun. Please provide a statement for the record." "Okay," Aventurine switched to a cooperative tone. "Dear members of the Temporary Internal Investigation Department, regarding the so-called..."

Flashback - Monochrome

Meanwhile, at another occasion, Jade, a senior executive of the Strategic Investment Department, was sipping tea lightly while conversing with an attendant.

"Do you know how long the IPC's on-site investigation against him lasted last time?"

"I don't know, maybe four or five days?"

"A full twenty-four days!" Jade set down her teacup, producing a slight clink.

"Oh, my Aeon! That's really a tough job."

"Who is willing to bet their entire life?" Jade's tone was unreadable.

"Were you not present at the scene at the time?"

"As a leader in the Strategic Investment Department, I certainly need to avoid suspicion," she smiled slightly.

"Do they even need to ask about this? How long ago was this?"

"Five years?" "

Four years," Jade corrected precisely.

The attendant murmured, "But Aventurine... he's still schism the IPC." A knock came at the door, and the attendant took the tea set out. Jade's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

On the way to the meeting hall, the attendant spoke again.

"Oh, Ms. Jade…"

"Don't call my name. Address me as 'Madam'," Jade interrupted.

"Okay, Madam. This is just a formality. By the way, you haven't signed the Interastral Peace Corporation's promotion contract yet. The company wants to promote you to a senior executive in the Strategic Investment Department." Jade's expression suddenly turned serious.

"What should we do if they ask about Aventurine's matters?"

"You just tell them the truth. It holds no detriment to you. You have fulfilled your duties, which the company cannot deny. After all, who is willing to bet their entire life?" The attendant pushed open the meeting hall doors.

Topaz's voice came through. "Nice to meet you, Madam."

"Is everything alright? Little Elena," Jade asked.

"Yes, only you are missing," Topaz replied. Jade sat down, facing the conference table. "Mr. Chairman, and…"

Cut back to Investigation Room - Color

The investigator's voice pulled Aventurine back to reality. "Why did you leave Pier Point?"

"To take back Penacony. Because the company has lost control over that place. If it goes well, my superior Jade and my colleague Topaz might even get promotions," Aventurine answered smoothly.

"Are you living well?"

"No," Aventurine's tone lowered. "I'm homesick. I miss my family, and…" He raised a hand to cover his mouth slightly. "A question has been bothering me for a long time."

Earlier

Aventurine sat alone before a dancing fire. The flames flickered in his heterochromatic pupils, reflecting a deep-seated weariness and contemplation.

Flashback - Monochrome - Board Inquiry

A company staff member was questioning Jade. "Dear members of the IPC's board of directors, Ms. Jade, I would like to know when you and Aventurine became superior and subordinate?"

"He has been following me since he was acquired by the IPC," Jade's answer was seamless.

"Were you already an employee of the Strategic Investment Department at that time?"

"Correct. But the last time I saw him was after we returned from Penacony. At that time, he was renowned within the company, called the most outstanding employee in recent years. I was a P46-level cadre in the Strategic Investment Department at the time, determined to let him take on major responsibility within the department."

Flashback - An Earlier Meeting

Aventurine entered Jade's office. "Our hero is here. Ah, Aventurine. Kakavasha," Jade greeted warmly.

"No matter how you read it, I am an Avgin," Aventurine corrected calmly.

"Haha," Jade offered a slightly awkward smile. "Sorry, perhaps I've made you think of the past again."

"It's fine. It's all in the past," Aventurine's tone was unreadable.

Aventurine walked towards Topaz, casually handing her coffee. Jade watched this scene approvingly as she approached them. But after Aventurine and Topaz exchanged a few words, Topaz left looking displeased.

Jade: "Topaz?" Topaz walked away without looking back.

Jade turned to Aventurine: "What happened? What were you talking about?"

Aventurine: "Ms. Jade, perhaps I need to explain my past to you in more detail."

Jade: "Oh, it's alright, no need. You already explained it in detail when I bought you."

Aventurine: "Aren't you worried at all?"

Jade: "Of course not! You've made so many contributions to the IPC. What do I have to worry about?"

Aventurine: "Times are different now, Ms. Jade."

Jade: "No, no, no. The IPC is very tolerant. We only look at ability. In terms of ability, you are very suitable for this job."

Aventurine: "Okay, Madam. See you at the board meeting tomorrow."

Jade: "This job can make you the most respected person in the world."

Back to Board Inquiry - Monochrome

Internal Investigator: "So he often mentioned his past to you, but you completely disregard these matters?"

Jade: "Yes. Because he's been with me for a long time. I was only thinking about what he said to Topaz back then to make her so angry."

"And what happened later?"

"What happened later, we all know."

Cut back to Investigation Room - Color

The investigator pressed on: "When you went to Penacony, did you have contact with many local merchants?" "Yes."

"Did you have any contact with the remnants of the 'Order'?"

"I don't remember having any."

Flashback - Encounter with Boothill

In a restaurant, Aventurine looked at the cowboy before him. "Really, what a small world, cowboy."

Boothill pointed his gun at her: "Say 'Boothill'... or eat bullets."

Back to Investigation Room The investigator's voice rang out: "The robber who kidnapped you, was it a Galaxy Ranger named Boothill?"

"Yes."

"Have you had contact with him?"

"I haven't had formal contact with him, but our fates... slightly intersect."

Flashback - Board Inquiry - Monochrome

Internal Member: "Mr. Aventurine's file contains detailed records of his activities on Ziongonia-IV. Can you explain this?"

Jade: "I'm not too clear about this. You might have to ask..." Internal Member interrupted sharply: "I'm asking you! Madam Jade!"

Jade: "Ah, according to my speculation, this might be related to his race."

Cut back to - Color - Argument with Topaz

Topaz said to Aventurine: "You shouldn't bring this issue to the IPC."

Aventurine: "Ah, Topaz, that's what I wrote."

Topaz: "We've already resolved this issue. The best proof is that you can remain in the IPC without any worries." Aventurine: "Topaz, you're in the finance sector. If you engage in financial revolution, will you turn a blind eye to other revolutions?"

Topaz: "You can't do it like this."

Deeper Flashback - Sister's Question

In Aventurine's memory, inside a tent, Aventurine's sister said: "Tonight we stay here. It might be a shelter." "Kakavasha, tell me, why do you envy our enemy's life so much?"

Aventurine: "Sister, don't you want to live that kind of..."

Sister: "This kind of life is indeed not what we wanted, and I have always valued your ideas highly. Even if you're wrong, I won't do anything to you. But this time, can you tell me why?"

Aventurine: "Because I want to win, and I also want that feeling... of being superior."

Back to Present - Meeting Room

Aventurine was speaking to colleagues: "We need to eliminate all discrimination in the world, all people worldwide..."

Topaz burst into the room. "Do you know what you're doing? What do people from other star systems have in common with you?"

An employee retorted: "We are all human!"

Topaz commanded sharply: "Everyone, get out now! Immediately!"

Aventurine followed the others out, looking chastened.

Topaz: "Aventurine, you stay."

Aventurine: "What's wrong? I've never seen you so angry."

Topaz: "You'd better be clear about what you're doing. Next time you go home, check if anyone is tailing you. Don't be so naive anymore—it will get you killed. You're not being arrogant; you are truly important."

Aventurine: "Alright, I understand."

Topaz: "I want you to live—"

Aventurine: "Be more pragmatic."

Planning for Penacony

Aventurine said to Jade: "So you want to reclaim Penacony, expand the IPC's influence across the universe, and by the way, ensure our promotions?"

Jade: "Yes, but not entirely." "I've heard the company's opinions about you—mostly arrogant, reckless, always thinking you'll win, staking everything regardless of consequences. Except for Topaz, she at least defends you a little."

Jade offered terms: "A ship. And negotiation materials."

Aventurine: "So, you're inviting me to join your team?"

Jade: "Regardless, we need the Board's approval."

Aventurine: "How long do you expect this to take?"

Jade: "Before that madman takes complete control of Penacony."

Aventurine: "Then you're unlikely to win."

Jade: "Why?"

Aventurine: "I've dealt with people like him before. He understands the local customs better than you—he's already several systems hours."

Jade: "Then what should we do?"

Aventurine: "I know how to take that place back. You want efficiency, right? We pull the best from the relevant departments. You continue leading the Strategic Investment Department to prepare the negotiations. Don't worry about time—Topaz and I will scout ahead. You wait for the right moment to arrive in Penacony, fully prepared, catching that madman off guard. We'll open a star lane between Pier Point and Penacony, ready to transport personnel and materials at any time."

Jade: "But on that planet, 'Harmony' is still clashing with the remnants of 'Order.' Someone needs to settle this beforehand. Will you handle it?"

Aventurine: "No."

Jade: "The Astral Express?"

Aventurine: "Exactly. As expected of my superior." "Use them to clean up the mess. I'll contact the memory keepers to bring those people directly to me. If it's resolved, we'll let them have a share—maybe they'll help us again later." Jade: "Good one."

Later Aventurine stood by the window: "Hey, Topaz... can we talk?"

Topaz: "Sure, what's up?"

Aventurine: "I've been thinking... if we continue expanding through colonization, trading on most planets, absorbing other civilizations and nations... could there be negative impacts later?"

Topaz: "Almost none. Our occupation does not harm the local environment."

Investigation's End

The investigator asked Topaz: "You are fully aware of Aventurine's past and current situation, correct?"

Topaz: "Yes."

Investigator: "Then this may be my last question. Under the Board's current guidelines, would you still take him to Penacony?"

Topaz: "What guidelines?" (One staff member signaled another, who handed Topaz a document.) Investigator asked again: "Let me ask again—under the Board's current guidelines, would you still bring him to Penacony?"

Protests against Aventurine were faintly audible in the background.Investigator: "We'll stop here for today."

Topaz said to Aventurine: "I really can't stand it. When they criticize you like that, why don't you fight back? Don't you always want to win, to stand at the top?"

Another investigator questioned Aventurine: "You suggested the Board halt market expansions like this, yet the next colonization plan was already being drafted when you arrived in Penacony. Why propose a pause?" Aventurine: "I didn't. I just... pointed out difficulties."

Investigator: "But the IPC had already slowed down."

Aventurine: "No, no—we spent hours discussing this together."

Topaz (in another scene): "We could even try this method in other major star systems. I suggest everyone discuss this privately. The Board will make the final decision."

Dialogue with Boothill

Boothill: "Aventurine... like me, you once had family, lived among your people. I wonder—if you keep expanding by force, will more people end up like us?"

Aventurine (after a pause): "We will do our best to prevent that."

Monochrome

Internal Member: "At that time, Francesco De Biski had already retired. Who gave him permission to access Aventurine's relevant information?"

Jade: "I have also pondered this question."

Cut back to Color, Moment of Success

IPC Director (announcement): "I am pleased to announce that we have reclaimed most rights over Penacony!" Jade: "Little Elena! We did it!"

Aventurine answered Jade's call.

Jade: "Aventurine... buying you all those years ago and listening to your advice about the IPC was the smartest decision I ever made."

Dissent and Applause

An employee: "I think our future actions require caution, because we cannot judge whether other civilizations will be like us..."

Aventurine: "No, no. Only through similar techniques to make the world reach a unified consensus to some extent can we achieve the so-called 'Harmony'."

An employee shouted: "Aventurine!" Applause, cheers calling "Aventurine" grew louder. Aventurine seemed unable to bear the cheers, a pained expression on his face, as if hearing those protests again.

Cut to Monochrome, Another Occasion Jade, speaking quite vehemently: "He has no family, no close friends. There are many executives within the IPC who openly and secretly contend with him. They have basically reached the capacity to sanction Aventurine. But this did not stop him from proposing to restrict market expansion by force."

Monochrome

Attendant (to Jade): "It's not Sunday, and it's not the remnants of the 'Order.' It's you, Jade. It's you who told Francesco De Biski everything about Aventurine. It's you who let him to deal with Aventurine."

Long ago, in an office, Jade said to Francesco: "The entire file can be reviewed in detail."

Francesco: "This data is very detailed, but it's not new data."

Jade: "Your conclusion is new. I've already considered it—let my subordinates handle this matter. You compile the files and summarize something new."

Francesco: "A trial?"

Jade: "No. No trial. Cannot give Aventurine a platform to speak. We must completely destroy his reputation so he cannot voice his opinions at the IPC board meeting."

Francesco: "How exactly?"

Jade: "Find a rundown shack, far from the spotlight. Keep the procedure simple. Hand the materials you've prepared to my subordinates to accuse him."

An employee found Aventurine. IPC Employee: "Aventurine, you are accused of colluding with external forces and leaking business secrets…"

Jade (voiceover continues): "If he fights back, the IPC will form an investigation team. Authorize our subordinates to go through Aventurine's records—but deny him defenders. Closed-door hearings, no outsiders allowed. Our goal is not conviction, just negation."

Confrontation Escalates

Topaz (in the break room, color scene): "Jade knows you won't back down. She knows you'll accept the investigation, be expelled from the IPC, be disgraced, become homeless again. This time you must fight back! But I warn you—this battle is not fair."

Cut to monochrome, internal hearing. Topaz: "Based on their inquiry and refusal to present original evidence, this is entrapment, not investigation."

Hearing Member: "Who are you accusing?"

Topaz: "Jade."

Back to color. Topaz: "You can't win. This is clearly a formality."

Aventurine: "I have reasons I must persist." Topaz smiled, nodded, and turned to leave—then suddenly looked back.

Topaz: "You've given your all to the company. If this is how they repay you, you should leave."

Cut to Monochrome

Jade angrily threw her coat. Subordinate: "The situation is against us, Madam."

Jade: "How ridiculous. There's no hearing anymore—thanks to that farce just now, now there's only a trial left." Subordinate: "Topaz is publicly accusing you."

Jade: "She can't prove anything. She will never prove that I gave those files to Francesco."

Subordinate: "This isn't a trial, Madam."

Jade: "Right. They don't convict—they veto." The subordinate gave her a mocking smile.

Jade: "From the very start, she was colluding with the executives. I don't know what Aventurine said to her, but now little Yelena won't even look at me. That damned gambler knows best how to manipulate people."

Final Question

Hearing Member: "Mr. Aventurine, when did you begin to have moral concerns about the IPC's forceful market expansion?" Aventurine: "When I realized we had abandoned all limits for profit."

Flashback to Topaz's first time meeting Aventurine.

Topaz: "Ah, the IPC's golden boy." At an awards ceremony, Aventurine stood in a corner clutching a trophy.

Topaz (voiceover): "They will commend your achievements, but now you must bear the consequences. One day, when they think you've suffered enough, they will serve you pizza and SoulGlad, give you a speech, a medal—all pretending those things never happened."

Aventurine greeted the attendees. Someone glanced at Topaz; she glared back.

Topaz (voiceover): "Remember—they are doing this for themselves, not for you."

Back to an earlier time. Topaz smiled, turned to leave— Aventurine: "Topaz." She stopped.

Aventurine: "When I submitted that proposal to you, we believed forceful expansion would destroy local ecosystems and civilizations."

Topaz: "I remember. What about it?"

Aventurine: "I think... we really did destroy them."

Topaz said nothing more and walked away.

Transition to a montage of imagery and silence ，Aventurine stood in a Battleship rigid, staring into the distance. A planet shattered before his eyes.

The fleets of the Interastral Peace Corporation descended. Bombs rained down; civilians fled. Explosions filled the screen. Aventurine closed his eyes.

It was as if everything had suddenly ceased; he had simply experienced too much. Black screen.

Aventurine's sister (voiceover, whisper): May the Mother Goddess close her eyes three times for you, making your blood forever pulse, your journey forever smooth, your schemes never exposed. We will meet again under the aurora of Kacakva. Good well, Kakavasha.