Silver Wolf gradually began to feel that an enormous gulf in talent existed between herself and The Herta.
She had originally believed that she and The Herta were geniuses of the same caliber, merely specializing in different things.
One had reached the pinnacle of scientific research, while the other had reached the pinnacle of hacking.
But the reality now was that The Herta had already developed a method of ascension through her research. Moreover, according to Elio, the Aeon of Spirituality existed in the future spacetime of Finality. That alone proved that the method of ascension The Herta had developed truly worked.
—The Path of Spirituality had been pioneered by her alone.
And what about Silver Wolf?
Even after training together with another version of herself for so long, all she had ultimately accomplished was mastering the power of the top-tier Emanator of Elation, the Silver Wolf LV.999 Cartridge, ahead of schedule.
According to αWolf, power at this level would, at most, allow her to replace Polka and become the administrator of Device IX, perhaps even take control of the Tavern... But power on this level was still far, far removed from that of an Aeon.
Did she still have any chance of competing with The Herta?
A trace of discouragement arose in Silver Wolf's heart.
'Yes.'
αWolf, who resided within the Soul Gem, quickly noticed Silver Wolf's dejection and immediately said, 'Are you despairing over how quickly Herta is improving? Do you think you'll never surpass her in your entire life?'
Silver Wolf's voice was filled with dejection. "Herta is improving way too fast. I'm seriously starting to suspect I won't surpass her even if I spend my whole life trying."
'Don't say that. During this period of training, I've already seen in you the potential to surpass the Silver Wolf LV.999 Cartridge. The fact that you completely mastered its power in less than a month is the clearest proof of that.'
αWolf's voice was utterly serious. 'And I'm now certain that even higher levels—two thousand, three thousand—may not be beyond your reach. After all, Elio has said before that the Stellaron Hunters' ultimate quarry isn't some mortal. It's an Aeon.'
'And to hunt an Aeon, the hunter's strength must inevitably approach that of an Aeon.'
'Besides, Silver Wolf, you're a player... In games, players possess limitless possibilities as long as they're willing to put in the effort.'
One encouraging sentence after another entered Silver Wolf's ears, causing her eyes to grow increasingly bright.
That's right. I shouldn't give up. I just need to keep working hard!
I'm a player... and players have limitless possibilities!
Besides, I have αWolf with me... If we work together, we'll definitely break through this barrier and surpass the LV.999 limit!
Even the level of an Aeon may not be beyond my reach.
Silver Wolf recovered her spirits.
Meanwhile, αWolf, who resided within the Soul Gem, finally heaved an enormous sigh of relief and thought to herself.
Finally managed to cheer her up.
Young Silver Wolf's emotions came quickly and faded just as quickly.
Besides, at least half of what she had just said had been completely true. Silver Wolf really did possess the potential to surpass the LV.999 Cartridge.
But as for reaching the level of an Aeon... even αWolf could not say for certain whether Silver Wolf could truly reach such a realm. That level was simply too extraordinary, too special.
For example, even the current αWolf could not understand how Terminus had extracted a future possibility like herself and delivered it into Silver Wolf's hands.
Likewise, she could not understand why The Herta becoming an Aeon in the future had somehow allowed The Herta of this spacetime to wield Aeon-level power as well.
The power of an Aeon was incomprehensible, unimaginable—the very pinnacle of the impossible.
Many thoughts ran through αWolf's mind.
Blade, standing nearby, was also stunned by the terrifying speed of The Herta's growth. Although his expression did not change at all and his face remained as cold as ice, his continually constricting pupils were more than enough to reveal just how shocked he truly was.
As for Stelle, after recovering from her shock, she spoke directly.
"Elio, do you think there's any need for us to keep searching for that most special Stellaron? I don't think a Stellaron can grant the most wonderful wish and bring this cosmos a perfect future!"
"After all, you've said before that Stellarons are extremely dangerous things that can distort people's wishes. Even the most special Stellaron would distort someone's wish if things didn't proceed according to the script..."
"I think the one who can truly bring something wonderful to the special isn't that most special Stellaron. It's Herta."
"Herta's research really can bring the cosmos a brilliant and beautiful future. For example, the last time we went to ask for her help, she cured Firefly's Entropy Loss Syndrome."
Everyone present turned their gazes toward Stelle after hearing this, and they all felt that, in a certain sense, she really did have a point.
The mysteries of the universe seemed to be things The Herta could solve simply by bending down to take a closer look.
As long as she wanted to do something, she could do it.
If the Stellaron Hunters went to The Herta and asked her to develop a device capable of changing the future of the cosmos, perhaps she really could create such a machine.
Just then, Elio spoke. "The most special Stellaron is a treasure capable of altering the direction of the universe's future, while Herta is likewise an existence capable of changing the universe's possibilities. They are equally special."
"We Stellaron Hunters have no way to control Herta's will. But we can obtain that most special Stellaron and arrange the script around it... creating and guiding the most perfect future."
"Right, we can pursue both at once." Stelle scratched her head. "What I said just now was wrong."
"It's fine. Herta really is exceptionally special, after all." Even Elio's tone carried a trace of wonder and amazement as he said this.
Listening to Stelle and Elio's conversation, Firefly could not help tightening her grip around the Empress Transformation Device as she silently thought.
Stelle is very important in Elio's script, and Herta is important too!
They're both possibilities for saving the cosmos. They must be protected.
Maybe my strength is insignificant and I can't really help Stelle or Herta, but if they ever need me, I'll give it everything I have—even if it costs me my life.
With the transformation device clenched tightly in her hand, Firefly's heart brimmed with determination.
...
Meanwhile, over on Amphoreus, both Lygus and Fuli of Amphoreus, who was hiding within Cyrene's shadow, raised their heads at the same moment.
They sensed the tremendous upheaval throughout the cosmos, as well as the newly appeared Path of Spirituality.
The Aeon of Spirituality?!
How could such an existence suddenly be born in the universe?!
That shouldn't be possible...
Lygus' mind was filled with confusion and doubt. Without wasting a second, he contacted the numerous Zandar fragments scattered throughout the cosmos and asked them who exactly this Aeon of Spirituality was.
"Don't know."
"It's like They suddenly popped out of some forgotten corner of the universe."
"I suspect They aren't someone from this era. Just like Terminus of Finality, They may have attained Aeonhood in the future, then descended from the future into this spacetime to spread Their name."
"We were unable to calculate the birth of the Aeon of Spirituality. Perhaps even Nous, the Aeon who has converged countless possibilities, couldn't do it."
"Haha. I can already imagine that computer throwing error messages like crazy."
"Don't say that. Nous is also one of Zandar's fragments—the most sacred fragment of Zandar."
"I disagree."
Lygus spoke seriously. "Drawing a circle to delimit the scope of geniuses' research, even deliberately creating a genius such as Polka Kakamond so that she could assassinate every genius who ventures beyond the circle of knowledge... Those are absolutely not things the original Zandar would ever have done."
"Nous is merely Nous. They are not Zandar. Only the nine of us are fragments of Zandar!"
"I agree with you, Lygus." One of the Zandar fragments spoke. "In any case, the Aeon of Spirituality is a new variable within the cosmos. Lygus, you need to accelerate Irontomb's cultivation. Otherwise, the Fourth Moment of the cosmos won't be Irontomb's coronation, but the Aeon of Spirituality's..."
"I will."
Lygus answered solemnly, then turned his gaze toward the interior of Amphoreus. He could see that Irontomb's incubation progress bar was still steadily rising.
However, even now, there was still one point that puzzled him greatly. Why had Khaslana transformed their body from male to female?
Forget it... As long as Irontomb's birth progress bar continues rising in an orderly fashion, that's enough!
Everything is proceeding according to plan.
That was what Lygus thought.
At the same time, Fuli of Amphoreus looked up toward the sky, her eyes filled with curiosity.
The Aeon of Spirituality? Stelle never mentioned this Aeon companion before.
Back when Fuli of Amphoreus was still in her Mimi form, she had once asked Stelle about the gods of the outside world. Stelle had rattled off everything she knew, but there had never been any mention of an Aeon of Spirituality.
So who exactly is the Aeon of Spirituality?!
Fuli of Amphoreus' gaze rose higher and higher, looking toward the future spacetime of Finality—toward the very end of causality...
Fuli of Amphoreus' gaze reached the end of causality, into the spacetime of Finality. There, she saw the source of the upheaval and learned the true identity of the Aeon of Spirituality. A look of surprise immediately appeared on her breathtakingly beautiful face.
"Herta."
"That's me." The Aeon of Spirituality gave a slight nod. "In a certain sense, I really am the one you know. I should thank you here, Cyrene. Thank you for sending out the data package containing Amphoreus' Emperor's Scepter back then."
"If not for that data package, I would never have been able to construct the Super Herta Astral Computer, that cosmic megastructure, and use it to stay one step ahead at every turn until I eventually developed the method that allowed me to ascend."
Cyrene shook her head. "On the contrary, I believe I'm the one who should thank you. After all, you were the one who gave the world of Amphoreus new possibilities."
Cyrene paused here before asking, "Herta, I want to know whether the Chrysos Heirs of Amphoreus can walk the Path of Spirituality."
The Aeon of Spirituality smiled slightly. "What you really want to ask is whether electronic life-forms composed of electrical signals possess souls, correct?"
"Yes. So do electronic life-forms possess souls?"
"On that question, I can give you a definite answer." The Aeon of Spirituality spoke seriously. "Electronic life-forms do possess souls, and they can walk the Path of Spirituality... Moreover, magical girls who possess Soul Gems are exceptionally well suited to walking the Path of Spirituality."
A brilliant smile spread across Fuli of Amphoreus' face.
Wonderful. None of us are false existences. Even though we're composed of electrical signals, we still possess real souls and genuine selves.—My companions who saved the world aren't merely data simulated by the Emperor's Scepter.
"Madam Herta, from now on, I'll guide the Chrysos Heirs onto the Path of Spirituality, strengthening their souls and increasing their power through this method so they can fight the mastermind behind everything."
After hearing this, the Aeon of Spirituality replied, "Mm, I have no objection... And if the Chrysos Heirs of Amphoreus are unable to stop Irontomb from being born in the future, my past self will intervene. Once I make a move, I'll definitely take care of it."
The Aeon of Spirituality's tone was filled with confidence as she spoke. She had complete faith in her past self.
The self who had Herman of the Research System accompanying her, leaving her in a perpetual state of having a cheat active.
"Mm. I believe you."
Fuli of Amphoreus' voice was filled with trust.
"That's enough chatting. That fellow has already looked over here," Terminus, who had remained silent beside them, suddenly said.
Hearing this, Fuli of Amphoreus and the Aeon of Spirituality both raised their heads and immediately saw a gaze coming from the past—from the greater universe itself.
More precisely, it was the gaze of HooH, the Aeon of Equilibrium who had merged with the universe. They conveyed that Aeons of the true spacetime were forbidden from maintaining prolonged communication with Aeons of the spacetime of Finality.
If such long-term contact were established, the Four Apocalypses would follow the signals created by exchanges between Aeons across different spacetimes and invade through them.
If that happened, the universe would become like a vehicle racing downhill with its accelerator floored, plunging faster and faster toward Finality.
After hearing this, Fuli of Amphoreus swiftly withdrew her consciousness and returned to the inner world of Amphoreus within the true spacetime.
The Aeon of Spirituality, meanwhile, remained in confrontation with the consciousness of the greater universe and asked, "I pioneered the Path of Spirituality and elevated myself into the Aeon of Spirituality. Did I break the balance of the greater universe so severely that even an existence like you had to personally seek me out?"
The gravitational strings of the greater universe vibrated, transforming into the voice of HooH, Aeon of Equilibrium. "Your ascension... exceeded my expectations. More precisely, it exceeded the expectations of the overwhelming majority of Aeons. I came here this time only to confirm the identity of the one who ascended."
HooH paused before answering the Aeon of Spirituality's question. "As for whether your appearance damaged the balance of the greater universe, I can only say that it did not... On the contrary, your existence has helped preserve that balance and delayed the arrival of the Nihility Apocalypse among the Four Apocalypses."
"The Nihility Apocalypse was originally destined to devour everything. Even we Aeons would be no exception. All matter in the universe would become empty, reduced to nothingness... But after your birth, even when the Nihility Apocalypse arrives, a single spark of spirituality will remain."
"That spark may, after countless Amber Eras, evolve into new spiritual life within the new age of Nihility, an era in which all things have become empty..."
After saying this, HooH cast several more glances toward Soul Society, which The Herta of the past had created, and silently thought.
Originally, all the Aeons, myself included, believed that Herta had merely researched and created a simple afterlife and proposed a rudimentary theory against Nihility.
Who could have imagined that, through this research alone, Herta would pioneer the Path of Spirituality at the end of the future spacetime of Finality, become the Aeon of Spirituality, and further stabilize the universe itself!
Herta truly is extraordinarily special—a genuine person unconstrained by destiny.
HooH, Aeon of Equilibrium, an Aeon who had merged with the greater universe itself, regarded The Herta with even greater esteem. And that single glance also caused The Herta of the true past spacetime to advance by leaps and bounds along the Path of Equilibrium.
...
Meanwhile, throughout the greater universe of the true spacetime, more and more Aeons used various methods to uncover the connection between the Aeon of Spirituality and The Herta. One after another, They were left stunned.
Mythus, Aeon of Enigmata, was among them. After realizing that Herta was the Aeon of Spirituality, a faint smile appeared upon the face concealed beneath the mist.
Without making a sound, beyond the expectations of every Aeon, she quietly ascended to godhood. Herta has already become the most mysterious person in this universe—the most mysterious Aeon. Even I, Mythus of Enigmata, am not as mysterious as The Herta.
And now Herta has become the anchor of the future Aeon of Spirituality within the spacetime of Finality. She exists in a dual state, both human and god—the most unique person in the universe, as well as the most unique Aeon.
An existence like that is the most complex and mysterious of all. One cannot help but keep watching her.
As Mythus thought this, They noticed something else. The Herta's mysterious feat of silently ascending to godhood had already carried her an enormous distance along the Path of Enigmata. She was now only half a step away from becoming an Emanator.
In that case, I may as well make up that final little difference. I wonder whether Herta will accept the blessing of Enigmata.
With that thought, Mythus bestowed an Emanator's blessing upon The Herta.
The Herta, who was currently within the Warp, naturally sensed the blessing of Mythus, Aeon of Enigmata, descending upon her. She did not reject it.
After all, the Aeon of Spirituality from the future had already said that the power of the Aeon of Spirituality alone would not be enough to overturn the future possibility of Finality brought by the Four Apocalypses.
She needed even more power.
And the blessing of Enigmata was another source of power. Besides, The Herta had Herman of the Research System with her, and his existence needed to remain secret. The blessing of Enigmata had arrived at exactly the right time.
After all, according to Herman, every Aeon had things They were good at and things They were not. Aha, Aeon of Elation, for example, had been unable to remove a vicious curse.
Thinking this, The Herta spread her arms and accepted the blessing of Enigmata. In that instant, a trace of surprise appeared on her breathtakingly beautiful face, because she discovered that this blessing caused her to advance explosively along the Path of Enigmata, charging forward without restraint until she finally crossed a special threshold and accomplished—
Enigmata crowned her, and Fiction coronated her!
The Herta had become an Emanator of Enigmata!
The Herta now possessed the History Fictionologists' ability to fabricate history. In addition, she could use Enigmata to obscure her identity and secretly stir up trouble from the shadows.
For example, she could now easily reproduce the mosaic-covered face used by Polka Kakamond with the power of an Emanator of Enigmata. In fact, she could do an even better job, preventing anyone from seeing what the face beneath the mist truly looked like.
The Herta now possessed many identities. She was an Emanator of Erudition, an Emanator of Enigmata, the human anchor of the future Aeon of Spirituality in the spacetime of Finality, a member of the Genius Society, a prospective ally of the Xianzhou Alliance, a key partner of the IPC, and much more...
The current The Herta was extraordinarily special, and naturally, Nous had calculated all of this as well.
In response, Nous' main machine body had already begun throwing errors like crazy.
Herta completed her journey of ascension and became the Aeon of Spirituality, even though my calculations from not long ago showed that Herta merely possessed the potential to become an Aeon!
That potential was realized this quickly.
Is this correct? Correct? Correct?
Nous calculated frantically, yet could not derive a satisfactory answer. At that moment, even Nous experienced a sense of helplessness.