Developing the simulated universe DLC was not a pleasant task, but for some reason, Bai Luan felt this development was much easier than the last.
Presumably, it was because the most difficult part of the simulated universe—creating it from scratch—was already over.
Now, developing the DLC was merely adding to existing technology, and moreover, this time there was data from The Swarm.
So, this development was much more relaxed than the last.
During the development process, Ruan Mei paid a visit.
Herta had reached an agreement with her, allocating a specific area in the Space Station to Ruan Mei.
Evidently, Ruan Mei intended to tinker with creating an Emanator of Propagation there.
The section Herta assigned to her wasn't ready for immediate use by Ruan Mei, so the related modification plans fell to Bai Luan.
Bai Luan was more than happy to do it.
Compared to developing the simulated universe DLC, this job was the perfect excuse to slack off.
Half a month later, the simulated universe DLC development was complete, and Bai Luan had also finished all the modifications Ruan Mei needed.
All in all, it wasn't as painful as the previous simulated universe development.
As these two projects were completed, Bai Luan's miniature simulated universe was also finished.
Hmm, the curio effect obtained from this miniature simulated universe is quite special.
Perhaps it's better to call it an Aeon Incubation Pod now.
『curio: Aeon Incubation Pod』
『The code of a simulated Aeon has gained true life in this simulated universe; a brand new Path is being written』
Initially, he just wanted to create a data-insanity cultivation pod, copy Nous's data into it, and constantly throw in virus code.
Now it seems that several curios combined to form one curio, and simultaneously produced a golden-tier item, ultimately leading to the current effect.
To create something like this, it's impossible not to be excited.
If he can truly allow the nascent Aeon in this Incubation Pod to grow, then in the future, if any Aeon tries to scheme against him, he won't be afraid.
He might even scheme back with the Aeon from within the Incubation Pod.
But the problem is, even a slight conflict between Aeon Paths will eventually erupt into a Divine War, leading to assimilation.
This is the crux of the problem.
The Aeon in his Incubation Pod… it's not picky, and its Path touches upon everyone's.
Which means, if it's ever exposed, all Aeons will come to scheme against him.
Isn't that interesting?
To protect himself from Aeons scheming against him, he created a curio for self-defense.
As a result, precisely because of this curio, all Aeons might come to scheme against him.
Being able to stand against the world, as for why he's against the world, let's put that aside for now.
It feels like he created an Nous to deal with Nous.
Fortunately, there's the system, which hid the Aeon within this curio, preventing other Aeons from discovering it.
Otherwise, who knows how many Aeons' gazes it would attract the moment it was born.
This newly born Aeon bestowed a blessing upon Bai Luan the moment of its birth, transforming him into an Emanator.
Although the power was relatively weak due to its recent birth, it was indeed present.
Bai Luan also immersed his consciousness into this Incubation Pod to meet this nascent Aeon.
How should he put it... because Bai Luan's initial input of Aeon data was from Nous, it initially looked exactly like Nous.
Later, after Bai Luan learned about the curio's effect, he imported data from other Aeons as well.
As the Aeon data was inputted, its ideas became more refined, and then it became dissatisfied with its appearance, actively modifying its own looks.
It removed the parts that resembled a mechanical head, leaving only the core for thought; compared to a mechanical head, it now looked more like a giant satellite.
Hmm, I'll call you Ark.
Now, it seems that as long as he upholds the Path, the Ark before him will grow stronger, and as it grows stronger, the blessings it can bestow upon Bai Luan will also increase.
In other words, it's like stepping on your own right foot with your left, ascending to heaven on the spot.
The system's power is truly miraculous; so much Aeon data gathered together, yet they didn't scheme against each other.
"I guess you'll be with me for life. In any case, thank you for your blessing."
Ark did not reply, only its thought core flickered a few times, which served as an acknowledgment.
"Hmm… does it not speak? Should I add a speaker or something for it?"
Ark: …
Although Ark said nothing, Bai Luan could feel that it did not want that.
Alright, it seems he and Ark can communicate without words.
Bai Luan withdrew from the Aeon Incubation Pod.
Then Bai Luan called out to the system in his mind.
『What's wrong?』
Although you can hide it so that all Aeons can't detect it, Aha has always been watching; my sudden increase in strength isn't quite right.
Aha hasn't noticed now, but he'll eventually figure it out later, so can you disguise Ark's blessing to me as one given by Nous?
Anyway, with the Genius Society identity as a cover, it won't make others suspicious.
『What, are you planning to shift all blame to Nous from now on?』
No, no, the first choice for shifting blame is, of course, Aha; I'll blame him my entire life.
『Then why don't you pretend to be an Emanator of Elation?』
Wouldn't that just please him?
『Aha is truly blessed to have you.』
『It's done.』
Thanks.
Bai Luan's consciousness returned to reality. He looked at the Aeon Incubation Pod, disguised as a necklace, in his hand and put it around his neck.
Perhaps in the future, Ark might even bestow blessings upon other people.
However, these are all pleasant dreams; it's best not to expect too much before they come true.
With both projects completed, Bai Luan applied to Herta for a vacation.
The Beta Star route had actually opened not long ago, but Bai Luan had been busy, so he couldn't take Inspiration Shroom there immediately.
Now that he was done, Bai Luan finally had time to take Inspiration Shroom to Beta Star.
Inspiration Shroom had been waiting for him for several days for this.
Bai Luan bought an interstellar flight ticket and brought Inspiration Shroom along.
Bai Luan spent a bit more credit to have the spaceship specifically pick them up at the Space Station platform.
Inspiration Shroom floated beside Bai Luan, looking very excited.
"Finally, I can go stack snowmen at the big iron man's place, shroom."
"Yes, you can go stack snowmen. Have you decided how big you want to stack them?"
"It must be very, very big, bigger than any snowman I've ever seen, shroom!"
Inspiration Shroom drew a large circle in the air to indicate the size of the snowman it wanted to stack.
"That big, can you stack it by yourself?"
"Shroom…"
Inspiration Shroom gently bumped Bai Luan with its UFO-like base.
"You'll come help me stack snowmen, and so will Xiu, shroom."
Bai Luan smiled at that and said:
"Okay, we'll stack a big Inspiration Shroom snowman then."
"Mm-hmm! I also want to watch the scenery from the top of the Inspiration Shroom snowman, shroom!"
"Mm."
"I also want to shout loudly from the snowman's head, shroom!"
Bai Luan imagined it for a moment.
Inspiration Shroom floated atop a giant mushroom snowman, then took a deep breath, and with an incredibly firm sense of conviction, shouted:
"Goo-goo-ga-ga! Goo-goo-ga-ga! Goo-goo-ga-ga, shroom!"
Bai Luan's smile gradually became hard to maintain.
Inspiration Shroom noticed Bai Luan's change in expression.
"Goo-goo-ga-ga is truly a magical spell, isn't it? Every time I say it, you seem very happy, shroom."
"Yes, I don't know about others."
Bai Luan caught sight of the spaceship from the corner of his eye. He raised his hand and waved at it.
"But for me, it's really hard to keep from laughing."
Inspiration Shroom also looked towards the descending spaceship.
"Indeed, what you taught me is a spell that makes people laugh out loud, shroom~"