"You failed to attract an Aeon."
Herta stood with her hands on her hips, looking at Ron with a plain and lazy expression.
"You failed to pay your end of the bargain. Do you think I should throw you out of the Space Station, or should I strip you of your human rights right now, toss you into the Xenobiology Department's lab for adoption, and label you as the 'Hairless Monkey from Jarilo-VI'?"
Ron couldn't help but show a helpless smile—he had clearly attracted Aeons. Both [The Enigmata] Mythus and [The Erudition] Nous were about to appear because of the miracle he had wrought.
It had to be said that the virtual personalities of the Aeons in the Simulated Universe did have a certain influence on them. If these two Aeons were in reality, it would have been impossible for them to appear so quickly, let alone want to appear before Ron in their true forms.
But after their virtual personalities were modified to have maxed-out social tendencies, they became more active in achieving their goals...
However, Ron never expected that even though attracting an Aeon in the Simulated Universe had become so simple, and his deal with Herta was on the verge of easy completion, it would be inexplicably shattered by the sudden appearance of a History Fictionologist—
The scribbling that the History Fictionologist did in that book before leaving was clearly not just a random flick of the pen, but a genuine alteration of history. And it was obvious what that history was.
He altered the history of Ron attracting the Aeons in the Simulated Universe. That was why, after Herta shut down the simulation, she would say that Ron had failed to attract an Aeon, believing he hadn't paid the agreed-upon price.
Looking at the lazy and calm, exquisitely crafted puppet before him, whose face was devoid of any expression, Ron sighed helplessly.
"If possible, I don't want either of those endings..."
He said, pointing tentatively at the Simulated Universe entry terminal to the side.
"How about... we try one more time?"
"Since you have prayed with such sincerity, then I shall mercifully grant you another try—did you think I would say that?"
Herta tilted her head up, one hand on her hip.
"I have no interest in watching you... in the Simulated Universe again." She hesitated for a moment, seemingly swallowing the words she was about to say.
"...another round of child's play. That's meaningless."
She spoke, hesitating again for a moment before adding:
"...However, I've suddenly become a little interested in your planet. Asta will pack up everything you wanted and give it to you. Consider it a small bit of aid from me—"
"I'll pay a visit to your planet in a while. When the time comes, I hope you'll have completed your research with the assistance I've given you."
She made a "please" gesture towards the door.
"Alright, get out. Go back to where you came from, before I change my mind."
A strange force suddenly appeared, gently pushing Ron and Stelle directly out of the office. The office door then slammed shut in an instant, the steel gate closing tightly, showing just how much Herta didn't want to interact with people right now.
The image on the light screen faded, and new text appeared on it:
[Herta kicked you and Stelle out of her office, but she did not pursue your responsibility.]
[For some unknown reason, she has become interested in Jarilo-VI and has agreed to provide you with aid. Furthermore, she will travel to Jarilo-VI... in the body of a puppet, after a certain period of time.]
[You keenly notice that there are traces of Herta's change, so obvious that it seems she isn't even trying to hide it—]
[She knows that the History Fictionologist came, and she knows that the History Fictionologist altered history.]
[But for some reason, she did not bring this matter to the table. She didn't even get angry that the History Fictionologist invaded her most valued Simulated Universe project, nor did she hold him accountable.]
[Perhaps... they reached some secret deal you are unaware of, or perhaps for some reason, Herta was forced to tread carefully and chose to let the matter rest?]
[You do not know.]
Looking at the text on the light screen, Ron couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
The appearance of the History Fictionologist was indeed out of his expectations, slightly disrupting his plans for a moment—
However, the final result hadn't changed. Herta still gave him the data and research equipment he needed, not changing the outcome of the matter.
Ron could still, as he had previously envisioned, rely on this data and research equipment to push forward one technological revolution after another on Jarilo-VI, rapidly advancing the entire planet towards an interstellar society. He would shift all contradictions towards trailblazing the universe, using greater benefits to suppress Belobog's internal conflicts and slowly digest them.
...But, did Ron really dare to do so now?
Ron tapped the light screen in front of him, brought up the previous scene, scrolled back, and watched it again carefully several times at a low speed, his brow furrowing tightly.
Not only was the appearance of this History Fictionologist beyond Ron's expectations, but even the Fictionologist's attitude was difficult for Ron to comprehend—
He was just too earnest, and a bit too friendly.
Although he scolded Ron as soon as he appeared and was very angry about Ron's actions, no matter how many times Ron reviewed this scene, he couldn't detect a shred of malice from the History Fictionologist.
It seemed... he was genuinely acting out of goodwill, which was why he tried again and again to tamper with the history of Ron's miraculous research, and again and again obstructed Ron from tracing the history of Jarilo-VI, from discovering the truth of history, and from obtaining more advanced and clear technology from it.
But... how could this be an act of goodwill?
One must know, if Jarilo-VI didn't go all out to develop its technology and gradually strengthen its civilization, the future outcome would obviously be destruction at the hands of the remnants of the frozen Legion, withering away on this still-frozen planet.
Unless... allowing Ron's actions to continue, triggering miracle after miracle, would lead to an even more severe disaster, plunging the entire planet into an even more dangerous situation. A situation that even with advanced technology, they would be absolutely powerless to resist, falling into a fate more tragic than being destroyed by the Legion remnants.
Ron frowned and continued to scroll down the light screen, looking at the latest simulation entries, carefully sorting out the current situation.
Herta's performance was also extremely strange... She must have discovered this History Fictionologist, without a doubt.
Let's not even mention that the Simulated Universe is Herta's own territory and a project jointly promoted by four geniuses from the Genius Society. Just based on Herta's identity and ability as an Emanator of [The Erudition], it is absolutely impossible for a History Fictionologist to sneak into the Simulated Universe and alter history without her noticing.
The fact that [The Enigmata] Mythus has been able to stand against [The Erudition] Nous for so long without any major turmoil obviously means that these two Aeons are of comparable strength. Consequently, their Emanators' abilities would not have a fundamental, huge difference. It's impossible for Herta not to have discovered the existence of this History Fictionologist.
Moreover, in the end, in the image on the light screen, Ron was clearly about to be invaded by the power of [The Enigmata] Mythus, lose his consciousness, and have his memory disturbed by that rose-colored mist.
It could not have been a coincidence that Herta immediately shut down the Simulated Universe at that moment, forcibly kicking Ron out.
Yet she pretended not to know about the invasion by the History Fictionologist and even had to find an excuse to agree to the deal with Ron...
According to Herta's temper, unless there was a great price to pay for not doing so, she would never have done such a thing. She would have long since fought the History Fictionologist who dared to stop her from exploring the secrets of the Aeons.
That woman doesn't hold a grudge overnight; there's no way she could hold it in... There must be something wrong here.
Ron briefly sorted out the current situation, but for a moment, he couldn't come to a conclusion or understand why the History Fictionologist and Herta were acting so strangely.
He could only suppress the doubts in his heart and tap the light screen to let the simulation continue, to see if the following events could answer this puzzle for him.
The text on the light screen faded, and new text appeared on it:
[You were kicked out of Herta's office, but your mood has clearly improved quite a bit—]
[Because you know that although Herta said it was just out of interest, providing you with investment and aid, she actually agreed to the deal between you.]
[Although this deal was not carried out on the surface, it is no longer important to you.]
[Asta received a private message from Herta and quickly arranged for researchers to prepare the scientific aid Herta granted you.]
[Incidentally, out of politeness, she used her own money to bid on a large-scale research starship for you on [Universal Fine Goods], giving it to you as support for your research.]
[This starship is a large-scale research vessel custom-made by the Interastral Peace Corporation when aiding the Intelligentsia Guild. Originally, only a few existed, but a certain unnamed executive forcibly transferred one out and put it up for auction on [Universal Fine Goods]. It was sold for 500 million credit points, several hundred million more expensive than the latest model of star destroyer auctioned at the same event.]
[Faced with such a wealth of gifts, your heart is filled with passion. You can't help but think about how advanced a civilization you will be able to build in the future relying on these gifts...]
[But a slight feeling of daze appears before your eyes, and a familiar voice suddenly rings in your ear.]
[The previous words of the History Fictionologist echo in your mind. You suddenly remember his warning, and a trace of destined fear inexplicably arises in your heart.]
[The benevolent warning of this History Fictionologist and Herta's vague words make you faintly sense that something is not right.]
[Why exactly did they behave this way? What kind of future will the opportunities you have researched create?]
[What is the right way to move towards the correct future?]
[Should you accept this gift and devote yourself to scientific research, or heed the History Fictionologist's warning and give up everything that is within your grasp?]
[This will greatly affect everything that happens next... You must make a serious choice.]
The text on the light screen faded, and a deep red option appeared on it:
[1. Accept Herta's Gift.]
[To let others manipulate Jarilo-VI's fate, to perform a drama on a predetermined script—even if you survive by the skin of your teeth in the end, what dignity as a civilization is there to speak of?]
[You don't know where Belobog's future is heading. It could go to ruin, or it could go to revival, but it should absolutely not be held in the hands of others.]
[You cannot let go of this opportunity for you to decide the future.]
[You decide to accept Herta's gift and strive to complete all your research plans, using the miracles you have researched to elevate Belobog at the fastest speed on the entire Jarilo-VI, letting civilization ascend completely to a new era.]
[2. Forgo Herta's Gift.]
[You know that the behavior of the History Fictionologist and Herta is not normal. They must be hiding some truth with great impact.]
[Faced with this danger that can silence two Emanators, who are unwilling to reveal everything to you, you have already developed the intention to retreat.]
[This is not because you are afraid, but because you know that sometimes one should retreat from the torrent and not push on, lest you break your head.]
[Belobog is far from ready to face a danger that can silence Emanators...]
[Now that there is no threat from the Stellaron on Jarilo-VI, there is a temporary period of safety. You might still be able to find a new way to struggle for survival amidst this danger.]
[You decide to forgo Herta's gift and try to solve all the problems Belobog faces without triggering miracle research.]
Looking at the deep red option on the light screen, Ron's furrowed brow couldn't relax at all.
"Deep red... a Legendary Option again?"
Ron muttered to himself. After so many simulations, he probably understood what Legendary Options were all about.
Most Legendary Options were related to Aeons, or at the very least, Emanators. They were all paradigm-shifting options, enough to cause a huge change in the subsequent development of the simulation.
The reason for Herta and the History Fictionologist's reactions was probably related to an Aeon. Choosing the first option might mean facing a crisis at the level of an Emanator or even an Aeon.
But...
Ron rubbed his temples with a bit of a headache and clicked the first option.
He couldn't possibly choose the second option—to put Jarilo-VI's future in the hands of others, to let someone like Sampo play with it as a stage for his script, would absolutely not lead Belobog to the dawn.
Even if Jarilo-VI didn't turn into burning embers at the hands of the Legion remnants in the end, it would definitely slide into the abyss due to other dangers.
Even if it meant facing a crisis from an Aeon... Jarilo-VI's future must be grasped in his own hands, not entrusted to others.
The option on the light screen faded, and new text appeared on it:
[You chose to accept Herta's gift.]
[Under Herta's instruction, some researchers from the Space Station boarded your large-scale research vessel to assist in your research.]
[She said this was to monitor you, to supervise you so that you wouldn't take the aid and sell it for money, swindling her out of money to live a life of debauchery. Otherwise, her reputation would be greatly damaged, so she must strictly supervise you.]
[But you know that as an Emanator of Erudition, Herta doesn't need these researchers to supervise you at all. There is probably a backdoor left by Herta on that research vessel, allowing her to monitor your actions at any time.]
[She dispatched these researchers purely to help you pilot the research vessel and assist in your research.]
[You gladly accepted Herta's gift and obtained the trait: "Herta's Gift (Red)"]
[Herta's Gift: The master of the Blue Planet, Madam Herta of the Genius Society #83, has shared countless priceless data and research equipment with you.]
[Knowledge is the gift of [The Erudition], and everything you have now accepted is the gift of "knowledge" that an Emanator of [The Erudition] received from Nous—]
[Apart from power and a ticket to the Genius Society, you are now no different from an Emanator of [The Erudition], possessing the research potential of an Emanator of [The Erudition]...]
[After loading this trait, your Research Rate increases by 1000%, your Research Success Rate increases by 100%, and your Research Miracle Trigger Probability increases by 10%.]