Simulated Universe — Unknown Domain
Two sets of simulated Aeon code appeared within the Unknown Domain.
If it had only been one, the Simulated Universe could still have handled the load.
But...
The moment Aha's mask mocked every Aeon, the code for more than a dozen Aeons flooded into the scene.
The computational burden skyrocketed.
The entire Simulated Universe was pushed to its limits.
"Ha! Aha, I've missed you."
"Oh, get lost. I knew following a guy like you would lead to something entertaining."
"Let me see... Just look at this."
"Everything here is locked onto fixed rails. It's so orderly it's terrifying."
"If you ask me, the stars should all be laughing."
"Because whether it's this fake universe..."
"Or the real one..."
"They're both nothing more than poorly told jokes."
This wasn't the simulated Aha.
It was Aha's actual consciousness descending into the Simulated Universe.
The moment a true Aeon's will manifested...
Even the Simulated Universe struggled to sustain itself.
"A fake blockhead."
"A fake universe."
"Boring. Boring."
"But..."
"You actually think you can bully my Emanator?"
"Hey, brat."
"Come here."
"I'll show you what 'unknowable' really means!"
A surge of chaotic power erupted from the mask.
Everything surrounding Polka burst into uncontrollable laughter.
The Simulated Universe's data throughput rose at an astonishing rate.
The torrent of data wasn't merely trying to engulf Polka's code.
It was overwriting it.
Completely.
"Logical conclusion."
"The Solitary Wave Algorithm is the foundation of the Simulated Universe's calculations."
Screwllum's mechanical gears rotated rapidly as he analyzed the phenomenon.
"When instability within the system exceeds its threshold..."
"All motion becomes fundamentally unpredictable."
He paused.
"Su Heng has altered the system's directional bias."
"He revealed the truth of this universe."
"He introduced a chaotic butterfly into Lady Polka's model."
"Beautiful!"
Herta couldn't help grinning.
"I never thought Su Heng could pull something like this off!"
"For the first time, I actually think that brain of his is useful!"
"Polka Kakamond definitely didn't see this coming!"
"That guy is practically adored by the Aeons!"
"Hahahahaha—"
"..."
"...Wait."
"W-Why am I laughing?!"
"What... what's happening?!"
Herta hurriedly covered her mouth, staring at the data before her in disbelief.
Ruan Mei noticed it as well.
So did Screwllum.
Everyone's eyes turned toward the Simulated Universe.
Toward the stream of code that represented Aha.
It was Him.
Simulated Universe — Unknown Domain
Polka's data projection stared ahead in astonishment.
Her scalpel no longer carried its former sharpness.
Even her gaze had lost its edge.
All because Aha's consciousness had descended.
"Brat."
"Since you've accepted my mask..."
"And become my Emanator..."
"I suppose it's only fair I give you another little gift."
"Blind Folly."
"I'll grant you the authority of..."
"The Unknowable."
The Unknowable?
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the hidden Authority of the Aeon of Elation: The Unknowable.]
[Below the level of an Aeon, no being can perceive your authorities, your strength, or your true nature.]
[Your Omniscient Domain will become shrouded in mist.]
[Everything about you shall become chaotic and unknowable.]
As Aha bestowed a fragment of His authority...
Evan immediately felt something change.
Within the Simulated Universe...
His very existence had become nothing more than corrupted data.
Inside the Omniscient Domain...
To Polka, he was now indistinguishable from the countless lines of surrounding code.
She could no longer extract even the slightest piece of information from him.
"You..."
"You actually summoned the Aeon of Elation..."
"So you're truly an Emanator of Elation..."
"A Masked Fool."
Polka finally regained her composure.
Yet Aha's divine laughter continued echoing in her ears.
Evan said nothing.
He simply took another step toward her.
"You said my existence is chaos."
"Uncertain."
"A variable capable of bringing the universe to its End ahead of time."
"So..."
"Miss Polka."
"Would you like to join us?"
"Whether it's the Path of Trailblaze..."
"Erudition..."
"Or even Elation."
"Of course..."
"If none of those interest you..."
"Would you at least take off your disguise and let me see what you actually look like?"
As Polka's scalpel settled once more into the fabric of space...
Everything gradually returned to normal.
Yet the distance between them continued stretching farther and farther apart.
She calmly straightened her candy-colored clothes.
The movement resembled the gentle flutter of a butterfly's wings...
Creating the final storm above the last city.
Then—
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host. Imperial Legacy discovered!]
[Emperor Rupert II's Legacy Treasure Chest has been uncovered. Open it?]
"Open it."
[Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the Scepter System!]
[As the Scepter System was acquired through a treasure chest, a complete version may now be constructed within the Host's Consciousness World.]
Evan froze.
He had expected to obtain something valuable from the Simulated Universe.
But...
He had never imagined it would be something this incredible.
First, Polka Kakamond's Omniscient Domain—a Domain ability that allowed him to perceive everything beneath the level of an Aeon.
Then, the Authority personally bestowed by Aha—
The Unknowable.
While it remained active...
Every aspect of his existence became impossible to perceive.
Even the Simulated Universe itself—
Even the Scepter System, possessing the greatest computational power in the universe—
Could no longer calculate him.
It was practically the perfect counter to Polka Kakamond's abilities.
It even reminded him of a certain concept from another world—
As long as no one knew your true identity...
Defeating you became nearly impossible.
Now, every part of Evan was concealed behind an impenetrable veil.
And beyond those two rewards...
He had also obtained the complete Scepter System.
Of course...
The real Scepter System had long since been shattered during the Scholastic War.
What remained today was only a shadow of its former self.
But the version Evan had obtained could be fully reconstructed within his Consciousness World.
In other words...
It provided an enormous boost to both his Omniscient Domain and the Authority of Truth.
"I refuse."
"We are convinced that our conclusion is the only correct one."
"That belief will never change."
While Evan was still organizing the newly acquired Scepter System...
Polka Kakamond slowly raised her head toward the sky.
Her invisible gaze resembled the specimen pin that nailed a butterfly in place—
Fixing one inevitable outcome within the Simulated Universe.
The countless Scepters suspended across the heavens...
Began shutting down.
One after another.
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