Of course, Evan knew none of this.
He didn't even realize that the flickering red light earlier had actually been the Aeon of Erudition's calculation time.
"..."
Then, from the direction of that massive mechanical brain, a voice echoed.
"Are you willing to step upon the Path of Erudition?"
"To become a scholar upon the Path of Erudition?"
This human before it felt… strange.
Like a variable—one that interfered with its calculations.
After consideration, Nous decided to grant him a small blessing first.
This blessing did not include Emanator-level power.
But it would also not be inferior to that of an ordinary Pathstrider.
—
On the other side, when the Aeon of Erudition spoke,
Evan slowly lifted his head.
A blessing from an Aeon?
He fell silent.
Weren't Aeon blessings supposed to start at Emanator level?
It was said that once an Aeon cast its gaze upon someone, that person would become an Emanator.
…Well, that wasn't entirely accurate.
An Emanator was someone who had received direct bestowal from an Aeon—
gaining authority-level Path power and thus attaining top-tier combat strength in the universe.
But there was another kind of Emanator.
Those who had reached the absolute extreme of a Path through their own strength—
accidentally stepping into that realm and possessing Emanator-level power.
Such beings were also called Emanators.
For example, under the Path of Nihility, there existed Acheron,
who possessed power on the Emanator level.
"So… am I becoming your Emanator?"
Evan asked curiously.
"No. You currently do not meet the standards of a genius-tier entity.
You cannot withstand Emanator-level energy."
Nous extinguished Evan's expectations with calm efficiency.
"…Alright then. A portable charger is still better than nothing."
Evan waved his hand helplessly.
Although he couldn't directly receive Emanator-level power from an Aeon,
being able to connect to Imaginary Energy through a Path was already more than enough.
It would be sufficient to support his actions going forward.
Soon after, Evan regained consciousness from the mysterious space.
Jarilo-VI — Underworld.
A massive surge of energy poured continuously into his body.
The soreness throughout his body vanished instantly.
The core that represented his starter treasure reward was fully recharged by this energy—
allowing him to once again wield that authority.
Wait—
Something felt… off.
This energy from the Path of Erudition didn't merely allow him to step onto the Path.
Instead, it granted him a vast amount of power.
Though it couldn't compare to Emanator-level—
It had already reached the upper limit of the Path.
Th-this—
Wasn't this basically an oversized super charger?!
Evan sensed the Path energy surging within him while simultaneously comprehending and reproducing the Herrscher of Reason authority.
Path of Erudition.
Herrscher of Reason authority.
This combination was absurdly strong.
—
At the same time, on Jarilo-VI — Belobog, Overworld.
Inside the fortress that had stood for seven hundred years,
a woman clad in military uniform sat silently.
Unlike usual, her expression looked… unsettled.
Not long ago, she had jolted awake from a nightmare and instinctively called out to that presence.
Yet for a long time, she received no response.
Only after a while did a voice finally whisper in her ear.
"That scared me—I thought the Aeon of Preservation had descended."
"Turns out, it was just another Aeon passing by this planet."
A bewitching voice echoed beside Cocolia.
"An Aeon?"
Cocolia asked, puzzled.
"It's nothing. Don't worry."
"Even if it's an Aeon, as long as I hide properly, no one will discover me."
"But, my dear Supreme Guardian—did you see it?"
"Even an Aeon passing by didn't spare this planet a single glance."
"So… are you still unable to make your decision?"
"Aeons…"
Cocolia clenched her fist.
She did not respond to the whispering voice, instead fixing her gaze firmly outside the window.
...
Belobog — Underworld, Boulder Town.
"So this is… Path power?"
Evan lowered his head, looking at his palm as a faint glow emerged.
A thin strand of light was drawn from the Path—
and injected directly into his newly acquired authority.
His gaze then fell upon Hook's battered Digging Machine.
In moments, the energy enveloped it.
Endless data surged forth—analysis, reconstruction.
A complete model of the Digging Machine formed before his eyes.
"Reconstruct."
"Come out—Digging Machine."
As the energy supply stabilized, a replica was reconstructed on the spot.
It was nearly identical to the original.
At least ninety percent the same.
The only difference was that Hook's Digging Machine was old and worn—
while this one looked brand new.
Not bad at all.
Evan lay back comfortably on the ground.
The scattered parts around him no longer looked messy in the slightest.
Who would've thought—
A mere treasure hunter, fresh off opening his starter chest,
would attract the attention of an Aeon so soon?
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