"This is Ruan Mei, the 81st member of the Genius Society, a specialist in the field of life sciences."
"She is also one of the co-founders of the Simulated Universe project, responsible for the organic life portion and linking the virtual Aeons to real-world Paths."
Seeing Setsuna arrive, everyone on the space station stood up to greet him and took the opportunity to introduce the new member of Herta Space Station.
She had been on Grey's list long ago, but geniuses tended to focus entirely on their own research and had little interest in external affairs.
It wasn't until Herta began heavily upgrading the Simulated Universe that Ruan Mei was finally drawn here.
"Miss Ruan Mei, in front of the Commander, please mind your behavior and show proper etiquette."
Grey cleared her throat.
"This is now a research base of the Starsea Empire. If you keep acting recklessly, I'll throw you out."
"..."
Ruan Mei withdrew her hand, looking slightly regretful.
"Apologies. This is a habit from my work. By touching, I open my perception, allowing details about life to flow into my mind and helping me understand your biological structure."
"You don't seem to be a native lifeform of this universe. You carry many unusual traits—making you a perfect and unique experimental sample."
"..."
Setsuna wasn't surprised. He knew exactly what kind of people the scientists in the Genius Society were.
If Herta was a genius solely interested in research with a somewhat aloof personality, then Ruan Mei took it even further.
She was a person composed almost entirely of rationality and curiosity. There was barely any trace of human emotion in her.
Aside from her research, Ruan Mei cared about almost nothing.
"The first rule of human experimentation is to obtain consent. I suggest you start by experimenting on yourself."
Mobius glanced at her.
Back in the capital, she also conducted human experiments—but on herself. After all, Ereshkigal had her back.
"My biological composition is different from that of this male individual you call Commander. I wish to study him, not myself."
"Dr. Mobius, our research directions in life sciences differ. They cannot be treated the same."
Ruan Mei continued to look Setsuna up and down.
She paid no attention to others' opinions.
From the man before her, she sensed the power of multiple worlds intertwining within him.
Moreover, under the influence of the Suniaster, Setsuna possessed a certain near-divine quality.
—Completely different from Aeons. It was a higher-dimensional existence of another kind.
Ruan Mei didn't understand the origin of this power. She was simply deeply fascinated by this new lifeform.
"...May I ask, would you be willing to be my research subject?"
She asked Setsuna directly.
"You really know how to start a conversation."
Setsuna chuckled.
"No. And don't experiment on any member of the Starsea Empire without permission."
"I know that for you, research carries no moral burden. But here, you must follow our rules."
"..."
Ruan Mei stared at Setsuna for a moment longer.
"I understand. I will try to avoid violent conflict."
She was obsessed with research, but not foolish. Before acting, she would evaluate the expected results of every action and experiment.
At Herta Space Station, breaking the rules would bring trouble and halt her research. It was a simple logic.
That nanobot wasn't someone to mess with either.
For the sake of her experiments and research, Ruan Mei was willing to temporarily abide by this logic.
"Then what would it take for you to become my research subject? What conditions do you require?"
She asked again.
A sample like Setsuna was incredibly rare—far more interesting than any experimental subject she had encountered before.
"..."
"Put on a bunny suit, dance 'Gokuraku Jodo' three times on the bridge of the Eternal Snowfall, then stand upside down on the commander's bed and play Beethoven's Fifth Symphony in C minor. That should do it."
The nanobot replied irritably.
"?"
"Have you accidentally ingested an excessive amount of truth serum? As far as I know, you are a mechanical lifeform and shouldn't be affected by it."
Ruan Mei asked curiously.
"...Or you could join the Commander's party."
"You mean a one-to-many reproductive group activity? I can record the process and results, but I don't see the necessity of participating."
Ruan Mei grew even more curious, glancing between Setsuna and the girls beside him.
"Come to think of it, I'm also curious about an individual as unique as the Commander. How does his genetic structure differ from ordinary lifeforms? Is it possible to produce and cultivate special offspring?"
"If conditions permit, I would like to study the reproductive details between the Commander and various species."
"???"
Herta and Mobius were both baffled.
Seeing the conversation veering wildly into strange territory, Setsuna raised a hand to quiet everyone.
"Stop. Focus on business first."
"Ruan Mei, I'll consider your request. As for the conditions... to be decided."
...
Half an hour later.
The containment sector of the space station.
Herta and Grey introduced their great invention to Setsuna.
"This is the Simulated Universe (Improved Experimental Type I)."
"We have greatly enhanced its computational power and analytical capabilities, allowing it to simulate the parameters of the universe with near 100% accuracy and generate the consciousness of Aeons."
The device looked similar to the one seen before—a large base extending into a beacon-like structure emitting a faint blue glow.
However, it was much larger than the original Simulated Universe. Several massive reactors within the space station were connected to supply it with energy.
"How is it different from the original Simulated Universe?"
Setsuna asked.
Generating Aeon consciousness and recreating cosmic history were things the original system could already do.
Grey had mobilized many researchers and extensively upgraded Herta Space Station, providing significant technical support—there had to be more to it.
"Its computational power is several orders of magnitude higher than the original, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ascension process of Aeons, as well as their power and characteristics."
The nanobot thought for a moment.
"The purpose of creating it is to analyze how Aeons establish Paths, control Imaginary energy, and complete their ascension."
"With precise simulations, we can construct every detail of their ascension, Path creation, and use of Imaginary energy through data, then summarize and analyze it."
"In simpler terms... it's like you can play an extremely realistic role-playing game using an Aeon's identity."
"That way, we can try to replicate it in the future."
Previously, Herta, Ruan Mei, and Screwllum used the Simulated Universe to study Aeons for secrets, anecdotes, and knowledge.
Anything related to Aeons was recorded.
The Starsea Empire's research direction, however, was very clear: understand how Aeons ascend and use their power, then find a way to replicate it—once or many times.
"Commander, you have compatibility with all forms of power. After obtaining the Suniaster, your status is equivalent to that of an Aeon."
Grey stroked her chin as she looked at Setsuna.
"So for you, once you understand the methods and techniques, mastering Imaginary energy and Path powers should be about as difficult as basic arithmetic."
"Perfect timing. Go into the Simulated Universe and study how Aeons use their authority and Imaginary energy. You might come back having mastered it."
Ordinary people struggled to comprehend Aeons and their divine power due to differences in existence level. Setsuna, however, had no such barrier.
Not only could he adapt to various power systems, but his own scale was sufficient as well.
With an immersive understanding through the Simulated Universe, he could quickly grasp this new system of power.
"Mm. Sounds good."
Setsuna nodded.
Whoosh—
Herta opened a holographic interface and presented it before him.
"We currently have three simulation targets with relatively high completion: Akivili the Trailblaze, Nous the Erudition, and Nanook the Destruction."
"You can choose one as your identity within the Simulated Universe and wield their power in the form of virtual data."
"Make your choice."
"Mm..."
Setsuna thought for a moment.
Nanook and Nous still existed. The one he was most interested in was another.
"Akivili."
"Simulated Universe, activate!"
Bzz—
After a burst of dazzling, multicolored light flashed before his eyes, Setsuna's consciousness entered the space of the Simulated Universe.
He looked around. It was a completely unremarkable wasteland.
Herta and Ruan Mei also projected their consciousnesses in shortly after.
"Oh..."
"The Simulated Universe cannot analyze your existence, nor can it simulate your data. Just what kind of being are you?"
Ruan Mei examined the control interface.
She had originally intended to take advantage of the Simulated Universe to investigate Setsuna's data.
However, even with his consciousness projected inside, the system couldn't analyze him in the slightest.
It was as if he were shrouded in a layer that obstructed cognition itself.
"The Simulated Universe constructs simulated Aeons using data. If you want to analyze a god from another world, you're far from capable."
Mobius snorted.
"Commander, to put it simply, I'm going to put an Akivili 'skin' on you."
Grey spoke from the remote interface.
"You can observe the world from Their perspective and wield Their power within the Simulated Universe."
"The system fully simulates Aeons and Imaginary energy. So here, you are the Aeon of Trailblaze."
"Alright. Let's do it."
Shua—
The nanobot tapped a few commands.
"Please grant permission. I can't directly edit you through the Simulated Universe."
"Go ahead."
Boom!!—
The scene before him rapidly changed.
The planet beneath his feet, the wasteland before him, and the starry sky above all shattered in an instant.
The entire universe was being reconstructed.
At the same time, Setsuna's perspective was stretched to an extreme, and his range of perception expanded countless times in an instant.
Planets, star systems, galaxies, and even more distant superclusters and deep space—all lay within his view.
[Loading progress 20%, 40%, 60%...]
A new power was born within Setsuna's body. Although it was only within the simulated world, the sensation felt incredibly real.
The improved Simulated Universe achieved complete realism in Path powers, making everything indistinguishable from Aeons in the real universe.
Combined with the precise reconstruction of the cosmos, it was nearly impossible to distinguish reality from simulation.
"Ordinary people attempting to fully simulate an Aeon here would be assimilated by the virtual Aeon's consciousness and become part of Them."
"So we could only bring in the Commander. Well, Nyarko and the others might also work, but they'd contaminate the experimental data."
Grey muttered.
Even in a virtual world, a mortal mind could hardly withstand the power of an Aeon. There weren't many qualified to use the improved Simulated Universe.
Shua—
After an ocean of data finished loading—
The starry sky stabilized, and the universe rearranged itself into a new form.
A violent tide of Imaginary energy surged around Setsuna. He felt an endless stream of power being born within him.
At the same time, a vast amount of new knowledge flooded into his mind.
The torrent of information would have overloaded any member of the Genius Society instantly. For him, it merely required a moment of focus to process.
"You are now Akivili, the Aeon of Trailblaze."
Herta said.
"In this Simulated Universe, you are Them—well, more precisely, you've obtained Akivili's abilities."
The Herta puppet glanced at the data on the holographic interface.
"Quick, try communicating with other Aeons, or test Their power."
Since the simulation's accuracy was nearly perfect, Setsuna was effectively identical to the Aeon of Trailblaze at this moment.
An enormous amount of valuable research data could be extracted from him, and Herta, Ruan Mei, and Mobius were all eager.
"Oh?"
Setsuna's appearance and body remained unchanged.
He raised his hand and called upon the new energy.
Rumble!!—
Imaginary energy surged like a tidal wave, sweeping across the entire galaxy.
"Not bad. Feels just like the real thing."
He smiled.
In the real universe, he hadn't controlled or used this power before. Yet within the Simulated Universe, he could wield it with ease.
Looking down, countless stars shimmered below him—the entire cosmos lay within his grasp.
However, he noticed that most galaxies were separated by comet walls and Imaginary barriers.
Like a honeycomb structure, the galaxies appeared close, yet were actually isolated from one another—independent worlds.
"Try out Their power first."
Grey scratched her head.
Aeons could freely use the power of their respective Paths.
The breadth of a Path was determined by its concept—the stronger the concept, the wider its scope, and the more Imaginary energy it could gather.
"Trailblaze is Akivili's Path, and also Their defining concept. Among Aeons, it's probably mid-tier...?"
"I think Trailblaze actually suits me quite well."
Setsuna found that he could effortlessly understand knowledge that would normally be obscure even to geniuses.
He slowly spread his arms as Imaginary energy gathered before him.
It was a novel experience—controlling a new form of power through data simulation.
Through the Imaginary energy, he saw countless galaxies across the cosmos and beyond connected by silver rails.
Those were the traces left behind by the Astral Express.
Many more worlds, however, still floated like isolated islands in deep space—worlds Akivili had never reached.
Crack—
Setsuna lightly tapped the barrier separating worlds.
Crack!!
The Imaginary barrier instantly collapsed, dissolving into specks of light across the cosmos.
"Ah!"
Herta and Ruan Mei were startled.
"Originally, Akivili expanded worlds using the Astral Express. You... just need to move a finger?"
"Even in the Simulated Universe, there should be basic rules, right?!"
"Our powers are fundamentally different. What's so strange about that?"
Setsuna replied.
"Still... this simulated power is quite interesting. Right now, I'm viewing the world from Akivili's perspective."
It felt like he was cosplaying Akivili—becoming the very concept of Trailblaze.
Information he couldn't previously perceive now flowed into his awareness.
"Oho—"
Herta was unusually excited, rapidly performing complex calculations on the holographic interface.
"So you can perfectly wield the power of a Path?"
"Hmm... since you're an outsider in this universe, can you combine your own power with Path power?"
"You control Honkai energy, right? And other energies too? Can you demonstrate that in the Simulated Universe?"
"Yes."
Setsuna thought for a moment.
He merged the simulated Imaginary energy with his own power.
From Akivili's perspective, he saw the Path and concept of Trailblaze.
Even though the Aeon of Trailblaze had long fallen, the Path itself had not disappeared—it had merely become an ownerless Path.
"Hm?"
A sudden idea struck him.
Boom!!—
He channeled the power of the Suniaster, Honkai energy, and the composite energy he wielded—an amalgamation of multiple power systems—flowing upstream along Akivili's vision.
"Oh, Commander, are you trying to merge your power into the Trailblaze Path?"
Grey and a group of monitoring girls crowded around the holographic interface, frantically recording data.
"Yes. I remember that virtual Aeons are linked to real Paths."
Buzz...
The space within the Simulated Universe trembled.
"Ohhhhh—!"
"We're detecting massive energy fluctuations! This is Honkai energy, Imaginary energy, and...!"
Herta stared excitedly at the data.
In just a few hours, Setsuna had provided more research material than she and Ruan Mei had gathered in years.
Suddenly—
Boom!
The space station shook violently. The external monitoring interface for the Simulated Universe erupted with errors, lines of code rapidly scrolling across the holographic display.
Under the impact of immense energy, the Simulated Universe became unstable. The internal data-constructed cosmos began to distort and fracture.
"Alert! Alert! Massive energy fluctuations detected within the Simulated Universe! Structural damage to simulation modules!"
"Huh?! Wait, isn't that a virtual world?! What's happening?!"
Herta stared in shock at the control panel.
Logically, everything within the Simulated Universe should be processed as data. No matter what happened inside, it shouldn't affect the outside world.
Boom!!—
A tangible wave of energy erupted from the Simulated Universe, centered on Setsuna.
In an instant, it swept across the entire space station and began extending into higher-dimensional space.
"The Suniaster!!!"
Grey and Mobius glanced at the energy readings and cried out.
"The Suniaster's power can distort reality and reconstruct the universe."
"The Commander's interference with the Simulated Universe has extended from the virtual space into reality!!"