Bai Luan brought Stelle to find Herta and Screwllum, and slowly recounted Chadwick's situation.
Both geniuses showed great interest, but their starting points were different.
Herta's eyes lit up—she was highly anticipating the weapon, the "Imaginary Collapse Pulse," that Chadwick was researching.
The number of people recognized by Herta could be counted on one hand, and Chadwick was one of them.
Mr. Screwllum, however, was motivated more by humanitarian concern:
"It is intolerable that The Family and The IPC treat a genius in such an inhumane manner."
Interestingly, neither genius questioned the source or veracity of Bai Luan's information.
They had long grown accustomed to the "Prophet" traits Bai Luan occasionally displayed, or rather, out of trust, they simply wouldn't delve deeper—whatever Bai Luan said, they believed.
In their eyes, Bai Luan never told meaningless lies.
Although Bai Luan himself believed that everything he had done was a boomerang with a long return time that hit extremely hard.
But to other geniuses, Bai Luan's every action was interlinked.
Those things that once seemed meaningless would always reveal their answers at the appropriate time, and often, they were pleasant surprises.
After deliberation, Screwllum decided to head to Penacony with Stelle to handle the matter.
Herta chose to stay behind because a large amount of data freshly collected from the simulated universe needed analysis, and she trusted that Screwllum alone would be sufficient.
"I also happen to have business in Penacony. Let's use the Anywhere Door to go together; it will save you some time."
Bai Luan suggested.
"Question: Does your business require my assistance?"
Mr. Screwllum politely asked.
Bai Luan shook his head:
"No, my matter isn't very important. However, Mr. Screwllum, if possible, please convey my stance to The IPC and The Family—"
He decided to put some pressure on those two sides.
"If they don't want the entire galaxy to know the full story of this incident, they should release the person."
"In matters concerning the rights of living beings, you always maintain an almost strict attitude. Conclusion: I greatly appreciate this."
Mr. Screwllum's voice carried a hint of approval.
Bai Luan waved his hand and said:
"What I'm doing is nothing. Compared to those of you who are genuinely working hard for this matter, I'm merely offering a few words of support; I don't deserve much credit."
"I believe that with your words of support, Chadwick's matter will proceed smoothly."
Bai Luan nodded:
"As long as it helps."
Stelle curiously leaned closer:
"Uncle, what are you going to Penacony for?"
"Last time I left in a hurry, and there were many things I didn't get to handle. This time I want to go and properly clean up, plus there is someone I want to meet in Penacony."
As Bai Luan spoke, he suddenly remembered something.
"Oh right, do you have Ms. Black Swan's contact information?"
Stelle blinked:
"I'm too lazy to be shocked anymore about how you know everything, Uncle... I'll forward her contact to you in a moment."
Hearing this, Herta immediately turned her head:
"Who?"
She quickly walked up to Bai Luan, narrowing her eyes slightly:
"How does This Genius not recall such a person in Penacony who is worth your specific attention?"
"I am going to meet her for you."
Bai Luan met her gaze calmly.
"It concerns that undesirable future that might occur."
Facing Herta's scrutiny, Bai Luan was completely unperturbed; he acted honorably and sat upright, naturally having a clear conscience.
Moreover, this matter was extremely important—it had reached the point where it absolutely had to be done.
When facing such a matter, there was nothing to hesitate about; just do it.
However... he hadn't expected Herta to react so strongly.
Bai Luan smiled slightly at Herta:
"If you're worried, would you like to come to Penacony with me?"
"..."
Herta looked at the composed Bai Luan.
It seemed he had entered his comfort zone again—the stage of unambiguous directness.
However, this answer was indeed satisfactory.
"No, the simulated universe still has a lot of data waiting for me to analyze."
"Alright then."
After everything was settled, Bai Luan took out the Anywhere Door, and leading Stelle and Screwllum through the portal, instantly arrived at the Dreamscape Hotel.
After a brief separation, Stelle and Screwllum went to handle Chadwick's affairs, while Bai Luan walked toward his own room.
Pushing open the door, Bai Luan paused slightly.
How should he put it... whether a room was occupied or empty was truly noticeable the moment one stepped inside.
Although Edward had already left, Bai Luan could still catch a slight scent of occupancy in the air.
『Perhaps this is due to the daily housekeeping service?』
The System interjected inappropriately.
"...I have to say, System, you have a knack for ruining the atmosphere."
Bai Luan complained about the insensitive System, then walked toward the Dream-entry Pool and lay down in it.
His consciousness sank into the dream, and he arrived once again in the shimmering, vibrant Penacony.
Just as he found his footing in the dream, his phone chimed with a notification.
Black Swan had accepted his friend request.
Black Swan: How could a Genius randomly come looking for me, a simple Memokeeper?
Bai Luan secretly found it amusing.
You are anything but simple.
You are truly legendary.
You actually managed to select a tolerable ending from a pile of potentially disastrous outcomes.
I must declare you equally as great as Elio—second only to Ms. Herta.
Bai Luan: Ms. Black Swan, I apologize for disturbing you so abruptly this time.
Bai Luan: But I harbor no ill will, I have only come for a potential collaboration.
Bai Luan: I have brought a memory that might interest you, as compensation.
Bai Luan: Could we meet and discuss the details?
On the other side of the screen, Black Swan subtly raised an eyebrow.
Are geniuses this polite when they speak?
However, a memory offered by a genius... that was worth the trip.
Black Swan: Do you know the Clockie statue? Let's meet there.
Bai Luan: Of course, no problem.
Bai Luan waited quietly beneath the Clockie statue. Before long, he saw the familiar figure.
He waved toward Black Swan, and she quickly noticed him.
"Mr. Bai Luan, is that right?"
Bai Luan smiled and nodded:
"That's right, it's me."
After confirming his identity, Black Swan slightly nodded:
"Regarding the collaboration you proposed..."
Bai Luan interrupted her at that moment.
"Before we formally discuss collaboration, there is one thing I must do. Could you grant me a moment?"
"What is it?"
Black Swan subtly took a step back.
Due to certain unspoken reasons, she was still wary of Emanators.
Furthermore, Bai Luan's appearance was quite sudden. Although Stelle introduced him, he probably wasn't a bad person... but maintaining caution was always wise.
"You might not understand, and you can take my next words as nonsense. But in my opinion, this is an indispensable step."
Black Swan was utterly confused and looked at Bai Luan, puzzled:
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
"I want to apologize to you, Ms. Black Swan."
"Apologize?"
Black Swan frowned slightly, and after careful thought, confirmed:
"Did we know each other before?"
"No, we did not."
"Then why are you apologizing to me?"
Facing Black Swan's confusion, Bai Luan offered a meaningful smile.
Of course, it was because—he had been heavily using the "Hands-on Girl" meme before!
Not apologizing would truly be unfair after the slander he had directed at her previously.
But obviously, even if he explained this to Black Swan, she would only be utterly bewildered.
It was better not to explain too much.
"As I said, you can take this as my personal nonsense."
"..."
Black Swan stared at Bai Luan, and a thought involuntarily surfaced in her mind:
Are all geniuses like this?
...