Let me tell you about the Dreamflux Reef in Penacony. At first glance in Honkai: Star Rail, this place looks like a forgotten, grim shadow compared to the planet's usual festivities. But here's the twist I discovered: this isn't a broken dream; it's the reality of Penacony, the true, unvarnished form of the Dreamscape lurking beneath all the glitter. It’s like finding the dusty, original blueprint for a glittering theme park, showing all the cracks the final coat of paint was meant to hide. This somber realm holds the monuments to three legendary Nameless—Mikhail the Watchmaker, Razalina, and Tiernan. Their legacy is so pivotal that the Watchmaker's departure began the area's slow unraveling, a silent collapse that forced many to leave and pushed those who remained, the City Vagrants, into a life of petty crime just to survive.

Fortunately for us Trailblazers, we can step in and help. There's a hidden quest involving these vagrants that's more than just a quick encounter; it's a small window into their struggles. By engaging with them, you can not only offer aid but also earn the Dreamflux Study Group achievement. Let me walk you through it, just as I experienced it.

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Getting Started with the City Vagrants

To trigger this secret quest, you need to be on the Dreamflux Reef map. Teleport to the Bygoneville Space Anchor and head south into a secluded alley (take a left, then a right). You'll be approached by three City Vagrants who will attempt to rob you. This is where your first choice matters. Here are your options:

Your Choice Outcome
"Spare my life, sir! Here is your money!" Pay 1,000 Credits. ❌ (Not recommended)
"I can fight back? Why didn't you say so earlier?" Enter battle vs. Dreamjolt Troupe enemies.
"I came to join this family!" Proceed with the mission peacefully. ✅

A crucial tip from my own playthrough: Do not choose to pay right away. If you hand over the 1,000 Credits, the hidden quest won't start. You'll have to come back, and the next "toll" will be 3,000 Credits! On the third encounter, they'll attack you anyway, leading to the same outcome as picking the fight initially. So, save your Credits and either stand your ground or play along by asking to join.

Learning the Ropes (and the Secret Signal)

After you've either defeated them or charmed them with your desire to "join the family," talk to them again. They'll decide to teach you the secret hand signals of the "Dreamflux Gang." They'll give you a sequence of poses to mimic. The correct answers are:

  1. ✋ Cross your arms over your chest.

  2. 👐 Spread 'em out.

  3. 🤚 Put your hand on your hips.

Don't worry if you mess up! They’re surprisingly patient tutors and will correct you until you get it right, which is a nice touch—it felt less like a test and more like they genuinely wanted someone to remember their ways. Getting the sequence right rewards you with Adventure Log x3 and 3,000 Credits.

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The Heart of the Matter: Listening to Their Stories

This quest isn't a one-and-done deal. To truly complete it, you need to show you care by coming back. Here’s the simple, time-gated process:

  1. After learning the signals, teleport to any other area (like the Golden Hour) and then return to the alley in Dreamflux Reef.

  2. Talk to the vagrants again. This time, the mood shifts. They'll open up about their backgrounds and how life in the Reef has changed for the worse. Their despair is palpable—they're stuck in a loop with no clear exit, like actors trapped on a stage after the audience has left and the lights have gone out for good. They'll express a genuine desire to know how to change their circumstances. For listening, you receive 10,000 Credits.

  3. Now, leave the map once more and come back for a final visit.

Claiming Your Reward

On this third dedicated visit, your patience and empathy pay off. The vagrants will acknowledge your efforts, and you'll finally unlock the Dreamflux Study Group achievement. Your rewards are:

  • ✅ Dreamflux Study Group Achievement (worth 5 Stellar Jades)

  • 💰 5,000 Credits

  • "Streetside Repose" sticker for Dreamscape Pass Chapter 15

It's a small but meaningful interaction in the grand scheme of Penacony. Helping them felt like applying a single bandage to a massive, weeping wound in reality itself, but sometimes that's all you can do. This quest beautifully underscores the Dreamflux Reef's role as the foundational bedrock of Penacony—the unadorned truth beneath the dream. In 2025, with more players exploring every corner of the game, these hidden stories remain some of the most poignant. So next time you're in the Reef, take that detour down the alley. It's more than just an achievement; it's a moment of connection with the true soul of a world built on dreams.