"In this vast universe, the strength of an Aeon depends on two factors."
Hermes thought silently, "First, the philosophical breadth of the Path."
"Second, the depth of one's practice on that Path."
"Since I've chosen to Ascend to Godhood, I cannot follow the example of The Hunt; its concept is too specific and narrow."
Just like IX of Nihility, Ascending to Godhood was their peak. There was no other way; the concept they held and the philosophical breadth of Lan of The Hunt were worlds apart!
Take Aha of Elation, for example. On the surface, their philosophical concept seems to be 'having fun,' but its core is much deeper. They constantly add various philosophical ideas to the originally simple Path of joy, even anchoring themselves to Nihility to borrow some of that Path's philosophical copyright.
It could be said that however powerful the Path of Nihility is, Aha can draw a certain proportion of feedback from that power in reverse.
So, while Elation seems not much stronger than The Hunt in terms of philosophical breadth, the actual difference is immense.
Even Nanook, who commands the seemingly powerful Path of Destruction, is firmly suppressed by Aha.
Therefore, Hermes prepared to reshape the source concept of Pure Beauty during his Ascension to Godhood.
He would broaden it further on the foundation of Pure Beauty.
"Idrila believed that [Beauty] is the ultimate meaning and highest value of the universe's existence."
This [Beauty] is not a shallow appreciation of appearance, but encompasses the harmony, sublimity, and idealism contained in all forms, ideas, existence, and creation.
"Frankly speaking, [Pure Beauty] is at a higher level than [Elation], yet Idrila's expansion of this Path was far lower than Aha's."
This wasn't Hermes looking down on Idrila, but rather that Aha's methods were more sophisticated.
Before Aha Ascended to Godhood, their strength already exceeded the imagination of ordinary people and even Envoys. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for Aha to climb the [Tree of Existence].
So how to broaden the philosophical breadth of [Pure Beauty]?
Recalling the Star Crown Court, Hermes actually already had the answer.
Penacony, the Land of Dreams.
On the eve of Hermes' Ascension to Godhood, the many members of the Chat Group finally arranged everything and arrived at this cosmic hotel located in the Adena system.
"This place is truly magnificent, filled with a sense of decadence and luxury."
Admin Lumine glanced around and couldn't help but shake her head, indicating that the style here didn't quite hit her aesthetic.
With this kind of leisure, she'd rather spend more time watching her own Miko Troupe dance; that was true eye candy.
"This is just superficial prosperity. You can't earn the title of the Planet of Festivities with just this."
Sister Lumine didn't think there was anything wrong with this glittering, money-filled style. "Besides, what truly makes this place famous throughout the universe is its dreamscape!"
"Entering the dreamscape is where the true prosperity begins."
"Sister Lumine, Sister Qianqiu!"
At that moment, two childish voices appeared beside them; it was Index and Binchotan arriving together.
"Ah! It's been so long, little cuties."
Lumine's eyes lit up, and she immediately pulled Binchotan into her arms. Seriously, this little one just got cuter the more she looked at her. "What should I do? I really can't bear to let Little Binchotan live all alone in the forest."
"Little one, do you want to change worlds and live with your big brothers and sisters?"
Living alone at such a young age—Lumine felt a pang of heartache just thinking about it. Even with everyone in the Chat Group helping now, living alone most of the time was still a bit too cruel for a child.
"Live with the big brothers and sisters?"
In Sister Qianqiu's arms, the little girl showed a conflicted yet yearning expression, clearly tempted.
No matter how strong she was, she was just a young child who longed to live with the brothers and sisters she liked.
"And Index, do you want to find a new world to live in with Little Binchotan too?"
Beside them, Sister Lumine also reined in her usual flighty temperament, gently taking Index's hand and asking, "How about coming to this world to live with your Sister Lumine and Brother Hermes?"
"If you get bored of one place, you can travel through the stars with your Sister Lumine and witness the brilliance of the galaxy..."
"I think it would be better for Index and Binchotan to come to my world and live with me."
At this time, Cynthia's voice rang out, a smile on her face as she said, "These two little ones didn't have a very good childhood; they are at an age where they need love and care."
"Come to our Pokémon world. We can prepare Pokémon for them who are like family. When they're old enough, they can travel with their Pokémon. They'll surely love that kind of life."
"The Pokémon world?"
Hearing that world mentioned, Lumine didn't even need to think before nodding in agreement. "Cynthia, your Pokémon world is indeed the most suitable world for children to grow up healthily."
Comparing the worlds of Honkai: Star Rail and Pokémon, Lumine didn't even bother introducing her own cesspool-like crossover anime world.
In Honkai: Star Rail, with the big shot Hermes looking after them, the two little ones would surely live happily. The Pokémon side was even better, created truly with the love of the Creator God Arceus.
The core of the Pokémon world is love and bonds!
"If you want the two little ones to change their environment, my Gourmet Earth world is also quite good."
Froese had also arrived. After understanding the discussion, a gentle smile appeared on her face. "After my recent renovations, although Gourmet Earth as a whole hasn't reached the level of beauty of Cynthia's Pokémon world yet, some areas have preliminarily met my expectations."
"Moreover, this world is indeed very suitable for Little Binchotan's growth."
The Path of Gourmet and the Path of Fire that Binchotan was currently following were a perfect match, complementing each other.
"Sister Froese!"
Upon seeing the newcomer, Binchotan's eyes lit up. Compared to Cynthia, who didn't yet have the ability to form an avatar through the [Group Link], she was closer to Froese.
Hearing Froese's invitation, the longing in Binchotan's heart finally outweighed her hesitation, and her eyes were full of yearning:
"Can I really live with Sister Froese?"
"Of course, little cutie. After you move over, I can teach you more advanced culinary cultivation classes."
Froese didn't hesitate for a second. She stepped forward and, along with Lumine, took the little girl's hands, a look of irrepressible joy on her face.
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