Aerin's terrifying ability—Concept Manipulation—was no longer a secret.
Across the Star Rail universe, after analyzing both the chat group discussions and everything shown on the screen, people gradually reached a unified conclusion:
Aerin's Concept Manipulation could be used on anything…
except Spiral Power users.
In other words—
He couldn't use it to directly enhance his own strength.
And yet…
That didn't make him any less monstrous.
"His consciousness… became the universe itself?"
"…What?"
At the Herta Space Station, Herta felt her head spin, as if the entire world had flipped upside down.
No one could comprehend what kind of divine ability "Law of Heaven and Earth" truly was.
To strip away part of one's own consciousness…
and turn it into the universe itself?
That was beyond absurd.
"I knew he surpassed the Aeons…"
"…but I didn't expect this level."
"Even Aeons might not be able to comprehend his existence."
On New Babylon—a planet where fear didn't exist—
Kafka stood in silence.
A world without fear meant incomplete souls.
For the longest time, she had believed life itself held no meaning.
But now—
Something inside her felt… filled.
"Is this really a height a human can reach?"
Blade muttered, unable to understand.
What he found even harder to grasp was—
Aerin wasn't alone.
There was still that unseen existence—
The so-called "Cosmic Giant Head."
"What kind of path… leads to something like this?"
His vision blurred.
Even thinking became difficult.
Somewhere deep within the universe—
A strange voice echoed endlessly.
"HAHAHAHA—!"
"He actually merged his consciousness with the entire universe?!"
"That's even more interesting than when Aha blew up the Astral Express!"
"All consciousness in the universe now follows his will—!"
"Aha blew up a train…"
"…but this guy uprooted the entire tree!"
The so-called "tree"—
The origin of all consciousness in the universe.
If Aerin's awareness now blanketed everything—
Then it meant he had already overwritten the will of the tree itself.
Replacing it.
With his own.
"And yet…"
"He's not doing anything?"
"Just observing Bella?"
"How strange…"
Aha fell silent for a long moment—
Then suddenly burst into manic laughter again.
"He looks down on the tree!"
"HAHAHAHA—!"
Liyue — Mt. Aozang
To avoid causing panic among Liyue's citizens, Aerin chose not to enter the bustling harbor.
Instead, he visited Mt. Aozang—
At Zhongli's invitation.
Ever since Teyvat connected to the Star Rail universe, Aerin's system rewards had changed.
Because of Spiral Power's reality-bending nature—
Anything he could imagine…
he could achieve.
So—
He transformed the gacha system.
Into something far more direct.
Emotions → Power.
The stronger the emotional fluctuations of those watching the screen—
The greater Aerin's power growth.
After finishing his tea, Aerin casually commented:
"Rex Lapis truly has the finest culinary skills in Teyvat."
Zhongli immediately replied,
"You flatter me. Your satisfaction is my greatest honor."
Before Aerin ever arrived in Liyue—
Zhongli's Gnosis had already shattered.
And yet—
His power had increased.
At that moment, he understood:
Teyvat's old system…
was gone.
Now—
Strength depended solely on one thing:
Willpower.
"Rex Lapis, could you share your recipes with us?" Focalors asked with a smile.
Furina quickly added,
"Yes! We'd like to learn. From now on, we'll handle Master's meals."
Xianyun, who had been distracted watching the screen, immediately snapped back to attention.
Right.
Praising Aerin was secondary—
Serving him properly was the priority.
Navia hesitated and asked,
"…Lady Furina, are you sure you can control the heat properly?"
Xianyun cut in instantly:
"Even after five hundred years as Hydro Archon, Furina still behaves like a child."
"Just focus on your cakes. Leave cooking to… ahem… me."
"I've lived for thousands of years. I'm well-versed in such matters."
Shenhe calmly added,
"Master is also capable of creating various mechanisms. Cooking is not difficult for her."
Xianyun instantly beamed.
Good disciple.
Very good.
Furina puffed her cheeks.
"That's exactly why I need to learn! I'll just try harder!"
Focalors sipped her tea and nodded.
"Master acknowledges Furina's will. With proper guidance, cooking will not be difficult."
"Even if she learns slowly, I will teach her personally."
"We'll improve together."
The air between her and Xianyun crackled faintly.
Zhongli quietly took a breath.
"…I will prepare the recipes shortly."
Seeing the atmosphere turning strange—
Aerin lightly cleared his throat.
"Let's set aside cooking for now."
"I have something to tell you."
Silence.
Instant.
Absolute.
Even Zhongli visibly relaxed.
Aerin spoke calmly:
"When my friend deployed the screen…"
"There were certain… negotiations between us."
"The future remains uncertain."
"But—"
"I have partial control over it."
"I've granted permissions."
"To both Teyvat… and other worlds."
"Those who have died—"
"If they appear on the screen…"
"Or are mentioned…"
"They will return."
"Revived."
A heavy silence fell.
"Likewise…"
"Any power shown on the screen…"
"Will manifest for all of you."
"As for those who die…"
"I'll decide whether they deserve it."
Aerin stood.
Cloud Retainer's eyes reddened instantly.
Zhongli inhaled slowly.
Even seeing old friends once more—
was already a blessing.
But Aerin…
Had gone further.
"Is this… the Loom of Fate?"
Zhongli murmured inwardly.
Aerin waved a hand casually.
"No need to stand around."
"When I leave, everything will take effect."
"Spread the news yourselves."
Space tore open behind him.
"Do as you wish."
"I'll be resting."
"Shenhe, Ganyu—come with me."
Xianyun reacted instantly:
"Go! Serve Master well!"
She could already feel it—
A faint stirring at her back.
The Stigmata…
Was manifesting.
"He's too gentle…"
She thought.
Teyvat — Natlan
The projection shifted.
Mavuika paced anxiously across the arena.
"Why hasn't the intruder arrived yet?"
"That's not an intruder," a voice corrected.
"That's a gift… for Master."
Ripples spread through space.
Kitsune Saiguu stepped out—
followed by a confused Baiheng.
"So it's you. Inazuma's shrine maiden."
Mavuika looked at Baiheng.
"…And she's Jingliu's friend?"
She smiled brightly and extended her hand.
"I'm Mavuika. One of Master Aerin's Valkyries."
"And currently… the ruler of Natlan."
"Welcome to Teyvat."
Baiheng hesitated—
Then slowly reached out.
"I… I'm Baiheng."
"I've heard of the High-Cloud Quintet," Mavuika said.
"Your story… resembles Liyue's Yakshas."
"A tragedy written in blood."
Baiheng blushed slightly.
She already understood—
In this world:
Willpower = Strength.
Her revival…
Was because of Jingliu.
Aerin had given Jingliu—
A choice.
A way out.
Baiheng looked around, confused.
"Why are we waiting… in an arena?"
Mavuika laughed.
"Because this is where the most people are."
She explained:
Natlan had always been a land of warriors.
Even now—
Combat strengthened will.
And will—
Created power.
"This place…"
"…has more people than anywhere else."
"…Ah?" Baiheng blinked.
Kitsune Saiguu sighed.
"Where Jingliu lands…"
"Depends on Master."
"Not Bella."
Mavuika nodded.
"Exactly."
Then—
A strange aura descended.
Mavuika looked up.
A streak of light—
Like a falling star—
Rushed toward them.
"She's here."
"Take Baiheng and step back."
"I want to face her… myself."
Kitsune Saiguu froze.
"…That's unnecessary."
"You could defeat her in one move."
Mavuika waved her hand.
"I've heard from Master—"
"There are many strong beings beyond this world."
"If I rely on Valkyrie power…"
"That would be unfair."
"Strength gained purely through will…"
"That's the fight I want."
And so—
She stepped forward alone.
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