Elsewhere, two distinct holographic projections appeared outside the Simulated Universe at Herta Space Station.
"Hmm? Where are Herta and Ruan Mei? Weren't we supposed to run the Simulated Universe evolution data experiment today and discuss the research on the Planarcadia?"
Screwllum's hologram looked around. With a moment's thought, he guessed the gist of it.
"Stephen, they probably have something important to attend to at the moment."
Stephen waved his hand helplessly. He took out his notebook and began evolving the Simulated Universe data while muttering, "What's going on with those two? There are even forum rumors saying they're getting together."
Screwllum said nothing. He simply stepped forward to assist Stephen in evolving the Simulated Universe data.
"Rationally speaking, there is some logic to what Ruan Mei and Herta are doing. After all, for 'people,' several Amber Eras of loneliness and a long-term mutual understanding can imperceptibly lead them toward mutual recognition."
Stephen froze, then looked Screwllum up and down with a strange expression. He stepped back a few paces, a hint of wariness in his voice. "Would you recognize me that way too?"
Even the King of Intelligentsia, Screwllum, momentarily short-circuited. "Well... to be honest, I only recognize your research and actions. It's not like what Herta and Ruan Mei have—that kind of... unspeakable, unknowable behavior."
Stephen breathed a sigh of relief. Among the Genius Society and the Simulated Universe researchers, he and Screwllum were the most 'normal.' The others? One was missing. Two were acting strangely—especially those two on the Xianzhou Luofu. Their bizarre behavior was simply incomprehensible.
Sometimes Stephen wondered: Is there any hope for the Genius Society? Can't Nous choose a few normal people?
Asta arrived outside the lounge, ready to inform the two about Screwllum and Stephen's projections. She carefully pushed open the door and found Ruan Mei and Herta leaning against each other, reading a book together.
She froze. This scene... this is simply too beautiful!!
Asta promptly forgot about Stephen and Screwllum. She just stood behind the door, silently watching Herta and Ruan Mei.
---
In the abyss of possibilities, a figure slowly crawled out, like a ghost returning from hell.
They wore a long, violet-hued dress. Their left eye was a cherry blossom; their right eye was an illusion. They radiated a strange, "supreme" rationality and a tragic, "joyful" sense of dreamlike Elation.
"I am Sparkle. Returned from the Sea of Quanta."
"I am Yu Qingtu. Revived from the abyss of possibilities."
Then They laughed. They cried. They were beautiful beyond words.
A shattered mirror appeared in Their hand. Within it, They said: "Sparkle is Yu Qingtu. And also the Aeon."
The miracle of Romance. The miracle of Elation. The miracle of Erudition.
Return. And take revenge on this mistaken world.
Sparkle raised a finger, making a gun-shaped gesture.
In the high heavens, Aha laughed. Mocked. Scoffed. Lamented. Sighed.
With a single thought, Sparkle arrived at Planarcadia. Their first step was to assimilate this planet, to completely seize control of the power of Elation, to replace Aha as the new Aeon of Elation. Then, as an Aeon, to mock Herta's incompetence—not by force, but by breaking her spirit.
Only then could she utterly crush that woman's confidence.