Eradicating the Swarm Disaster on a universal scale was something that almost any other Aeon's Emanator would find impossible. Yet, these two geniuses, working together for just a few days, had effortlessly solved a problem that had plagued the world for nearly a thousand Amber Eras.
As expected of an existence who refused a seat in the Genius Society. Topaz suddenly understood why her superior had made such an uncharacteristic proposal.
It wasn't that they lacked class; it was that this genius was just too absurd!
After the shock wore off, Topaz thought for a few seconds and suddenly discovered an even more terrifying fact.
"Wait! You just said this achievement was a biological weapon specifically designed to consume its own kind, modeled after an Emanator of Propagation... Doesn't that mean they most likely have the power to create replica Emanators?"
If they could specially create a replica Emanator with the "consume own kind" trait, then creating a normal replica Emanator would surely be no problem.
Regardless of the current gap between this replica and a real Emanator, if they continued down this path, it was easy to imagine the possibility of mass-producing Emanators.
If that were true, it would be a technology that could truly change the world's power structure.
"We suspect that as well, which is why we are actively trying to make contact."
At the mention of this, the voice on the other end of the phone couldn't help but waver.
An Emanator-level existence was a secret weapon even for the Corporation. If they could be mass-produced, the implications were unimaginable.
"Now that a preliminary cooperation has been established, the Corporation doesn't dare to probe too deeply, lest we cause the other party's antipathy. Since the other party doesn't mind displaying this technology, perhaps they won't mind sharing it with the Corporation."
"This technology is indeed extremely valuable, but what's more valuable than this is Su Mo himself!"
On a strategic judgment of this level, the Corporation made no mistake.
Compared to immediate gains, they were more concerned with long-term benefits.
Therefore, to gain Su Mo's favor, they naturally put their utmost effort into this collaboration.
"In that case, what else do you need me to do?"
Topaz fully agreed with her superior's words, but at this point, she became even more confused about her own duties.
"Since we've already gotten this far, shouldn't we have the technical department liaise with them?"
Faced with Topaz's question, the person on the other end of the phone shook their head.
"Of course, you don't have to worry about the project. Someone is already coordinating with Miss Ruan Mei through Herta's channels."
"However, Mr. Su seems to have handed over the entire project to Miss Herta and Miss Ruan Mei and hasn't asked about it himself. Our liaison staff haven't even met him, so building a relationship is out of the question."
"So mysterious?"
Topaz was slightly surprised.
To not even care about such a large project... was this attitude one of being too carefree, or did he simply not care about this world-shaking achievement?
If it was the latter, then his wisdom was even more unfathomable.
"Fortunately, after our staff's active communication and showing great sincerity to ensure the rapid progress of the project, this mysterious genius agreed to a meeting."
"However, Mr. Su's request is a bit strange. He specified that he wants an agent from our Strategic Investment Department to receive him, but he didn't specify a person."
As he spoke, the voice on the phone sounded slightly puzzled.
"And the meeting place Mr. Su has arranged seems to be a dead planet buried by a Stellaron, according to the records."
"The specific situation is still unknown, but I need an agent with a firm will, who is unafraid of the cold, and possesses a certain degree of combat power to complete this mission."
Hearing this, Topaz no longer hesitated.
Before the other party could speak, she immediately nodded and said, "I understand. Leave the meeting with this Lord Su Mo to me! I will do my utmost to build a basic relationship of trust with him."
Hearing this answer, the voice on the other end was incredibly gratified.
"Excellent! For this mission, I will temporarily grant you my operational authority."
The moment he spoke, he stated a condition that even Topaz found unimaginable.
"Go all out! Whatever Mr. Su's request is, even if he wants an entire star system, you must take the initiative to package it and give it to him!"
Someone who could create replica Emanators deserved this treatment.
"Understood!"
Topaz fully understood her superior's thoughts and immediately accepted the order.
Soon, the information about the meeting place was sent to her.
Looking at the data on this planet, Topaz was a little curious.
"Jarilo-VI?"
---||---
After Topaz had gathered enough information and made sufficient preparations, she arrived with full confidence on this frozen, dead planet, which the outside world believed had completely lost contact and was not recommended for anyone to approach due to the influence of a Stellaron.
To her immense surprise, on this planet that had once been invaded by the Antimatter Legion and later wiped out by an overwhelming cold snap, completely cut off from interstellar society, there was still life!
On this snowy planet, almost unsuitable for any living creature, there was actually a large city.
"Belobog... What an incredible miracle of life!"
Seeing this last bastion of humanity, built with the lives of the Architects, even someone as worldly as Topaz couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of the people on this planet.
They had been cut off from interstellar society for seven hundred years, yet they had survived until now.
Generally speaking, a planet afflicted by a Stellaron crisis had no chance of survival. Although the civilization before her was just barely hanging on, like a flame in a winter night that could be extinguished at any moment, it was undeniable that they had done better than most civilizations.
"I really want to meet their leader and ask them how they've held on for so long!"
Topaz's tone carried a hint of respect.
As someone whose home planet had also experienced a crisis, and as a Pathstrider of Preservation, the last human castle before her was as moving as a miracle.
As if infected by her emotions, the golden Warp Trotter beside her, which looked like a little pig, also grunted a few times, as if in agreement.
And right next to the Warp Trotter, hearing Topaz's sentiments, a knightly girl with a golden ahoge, wearing a blue-and-silver battle dress with a blue quilt draped over her shoulders, also looked at the city beneath the ice and snow with a complex expression.
"Perhaps the reason isn't complicated... They just wanted to have a beautiful dream!"
Though it was her first time seeing this place, her cerulean eyes held a hint of nostalgia, as if remembering some distant past.
"A dream?"
Topaz tilted her head, looking at the quilted Saber King beside her in confusion.
I feel like Lord Su Mo's attendant has a more complex past than I do!
"It's nothing," Artoria said, shaking her head.
She had previously participated in the Holy Grail War to save her ruined country.
But after meeting Su Mo and witnessing his battle against the evil god, her thoughts had changed.
All she wanted now was an answer, to know why the country she had given everything for was destined for ruin.
As for the completely destroyed Camelot and Britain, there was no need to bring them up again.
As long as her Master understood her intentions, that was enough.
Thinking of this, Artoria looked up at Su Mo. Their eyes met, and Su Mo naturally understood Artoria's meaning.
"A struggle without knowing the outcome is a dream. A struggle believing the outcome will inevitably be failure can hardly be called a beautiful dream."
Standing on the mountain peak, Su Mo gazed at the city covered in ice and snow below, then shook his head.
"If you want to meet the leader of this city, you'll have a chance in half a day."
"However, if your expectations are too high, you might be disappointed later... Not all leaders have a will as firm as yours, Saber."
"You flatter me, Master."
Hearing their conversation, Topaz was very curious.
"So, Miss Artoria was once a leader too?"
Although she was petite, from the first glance, she had noticed the kingly aura of this ahoge girl. Her question now was mainly out of curiosity about Artoria and Su Mo.
Before coming here, she had no idea that Su Mo had other subordinates besides Holou and the Intellitron legion.
"Mm." Artoria nodded. "However, my country has already been destroyed."
She could now calmly accept this fact.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry!"
Hearing this answer, Topaz quickly lowered her head in embarrassment. She just wanted to get on good terms with Su Mo's attendant, who knew she would touch a sore spot.
"It's alright. That was my country, and my past. Others don't need to feel guilty for it."
Artoria shook her head calmly.
"But it was still my slip of the tongue. Thank you for your tolerance, Miss Artoria."
Topaz apologized again. She would not deny her responsibility.
---||---
The two of them, both having good personalities, didn't drag it on. Topaz shifted her gaze from the distant Belobog to the foot of the nearby mountain.
There, she saw the second thing that surprised her.
Looking at the three young figures in the no-man's land at the foot of the mountain, after a moment's hesitation, Topaz looked at Su Mo curiously.
"I didn't expect the members of the Astral Express to come to this planet, which was thought to be extinct of life. As expected of the followers of the Trailblaze."
"Lord Su Mo said earlier that we'll have to wait half a day to meet the leader of Belobog. Is it to avoid these trailblazers?"
She didn't know Su Mo's relationship with the Express crew. It was just that when she arrived, the Astral Express had already been here for a while.
If it weren't for the special mission to meet Su Mo, with her personality, she would have definitely wanted to go to the Express and chat with its navigator, Himeko.
Unfortunately, Su Mo seemed to have no intention of meeting with the Astral Express.
"Avoid them?" Su Mo shook his head. "It's just not necessary to meet right now. With their style, they'll come to us sooner or later."
"And it just so happens I can use their strength to do a simple experiment—"
He had his own reasons for coming to this planet.
Hearing this, Topaz was slightly taken aback.
From Su Mo's tone, it seemed he knew the members of the Express crew.
But perhaps not very well?
Otherwise, he wouldn't say such cold words like "using them for a test."
Thinking carefully, they might have had some interaction at Herta Space Station, but their relationship wasn't deep.
Thinking of this, Topaz hesitated and said, "The Astral Express is famous throughout the universe. If you make a move against them, it will cause a lot of trouble."
Although the mission she received was to unconditionally satisfy all of Su Mo's requests, her conscience was at stake. Topaz, who had a good impression of the Express crew, didn't want to see Su Mo harm them.
Hearing her say this, Su Mo shook his head with some amusement.
"Don't worry, it won't cause any damage. I'm just helping some seedlings grow."
Both the plan to create an Aeon and the plan to shape an interstellar mythology were built on the foundation of the third great prosperity brought about by the Trailblaze faction.
Therefore, whether for reasons of interest or personal relationships, the actions of the Express crew were very important to Su Mo.
Of course, there were many ways to encourage seedlings to grow, and increasing the intensity was one of them.
Besides...
"Saber here also needs to grow a little."
Looking at the Saber King beside him, who had yet to master the power of a Path, Su Mo added.
There was a reason he had chosen her to accompany him.
"Hmm? Is there something you require, Master?"
Noticing Su Mo's gaze, Artoria's ahoge twitched, and she asked in confusion.
"It's nothing." Su Mo shook his head.
---||---
Not far away, Stelle and March 7th had successfully inherited the will of Akivili the Trailblaze.
As soon as they approached the city, they clashed with the Silvermane Guards and started fighting.
It wouldn't be long before they met the Supreme Guardian of this city, successfully stated their identities, and then successfully got wanted posters put up for them.
To teach the two of them a lesson, and also to avoid being pounced on by his abstract daughter, Su Mo chose not to enter Belobog. Instead, he took Topaz, Artoria, and Numby to the Underworld of Belobog.
This was the dark side of this ice-and-snow fortress, the place that provided the last source of energy for the planet.
"Is this where the Geomarrow is mined? The conditions seem a bit harsh!"
Looking at the surroundings, Topaz frowned and assessed.
"Compared to the lives of the residents in the Overworld, it's far too different," Artoria said, her eyes calm, not showing much dissatisfaction.
As a leader, she had seen similar problems of distribution countless times.
Just then, a stern girlish voice suddenly sounded.
"You three over there, and a pig... Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
A purple-clothed girl, looking like a butterfly, glared at them with her crimson eyes, her expression incredibly wary.