Mastering Power

"Herta of the Genius Society, I have heard of you. You appear in 'My' memories, and as for the matter of Xiao Xi, everything is as you have heard before," [Hope] said with a gentle tone.

Upon hearing the personal confirmation from the Aeon of [Hope], Herta appeared even more agitated. "Then, I wonder, would you allow me to conduct some research together with your human aspect?"

"You wish to explore the secrets of an Aeon? You are truly worthy of being chosen by Nous; you possess such a spirit of inquiry. As for your research, that is fine as long as 'I' consent to it myself, but I do not wish for this information to spread. On the surface, just treat her as my Emanator. Of course, you may appropriately reveal the truth to a select few."

[Hope] arranged things methodically. "Additionally, my avatar has only just awakened, so she may need your help in mastering her Path power. As for the reward..."

"There is no need for a reward," Herta said without hesitation. "To have the opportunity to study the human-aspect avatar of an Aeon—such a unique occurrence in the universe is already the greatest reward."

"Is that so?" [Hope] nodded in approval. "Then I shall take my leave. As for Xiao Xi, I leave her in your care."

With that, [Hope] ended the descent of consciousness. Xiao Xi, who had just regained her senses, felt a blur before her eyes and found that she had already left the [Simulated Universe] and returned to reality.

Back in reality, Xiao Xi asked with a sense of bewilderment, "What happened? Weren't we just testing the [Simulated Universe] a moment ago? How did I suddenly return?"

"Ahem." Hearing Xiao Xi's question, Herta gave a light cough and fabricated a story with a straight face. "Because of the descent of the Aeon of [Elation], the data in the [Simulated Universe] overloaded. I had no choice but to pull you out and force a shutdown of the device."

"So that's how it is," Xiao Xi said, enlightened. "Then, in this situation, should we continue the experiment?"

"Of course," Herta's voice even carried a hint of urgency. "Since this experiment can't be done, there are others we can conduct. It just so happens that during the process, I can help you master that vast Path power within your body more quickly. There is no time to lose; let's get started immediately."

In the time that followed, Xiao Xi was practically submerged in Herta's laboratory. Faced with such uncharacteristic enthusiasm from Herta, Xiao Xi felt completely overwhelmed, unable to fathom how she had suddenly sparked such intense interest.

"She was acting perfectly normal before the test. Could this be related to me being an Emanator of [Hope]? But I'm not the only Emanator out there!"

Although, with Herta's assistance, Xiao Xi mastered Emanator-level Path power in a short time, she still couldn't handle the weight of Herta's misplaced enthusiasm.

A few days later, Xiao Xi finally found an opportunity to slip out of Herta's laboratory and let out a long sigh of relief.

"I finally found a chance to escape. Herta's sudden enthusiasm is truly impossible to bear."

Having just been liberated from the endless experiments, Xiao Xi saw that Stelle and March 7th had already sent her quite a few messages on her phone.

[Xiao Xi]: Sorry everyone, I just got out of Herta's lab. She was a bit too enthusiastic.

[March 7th]: It's okay! Regardless, welcome to the Express, Xiao Xi.

[Stelle]: Me too. I'll be trailblazing with everyone from now on.

[Stelle]: Oh, right. I accepted a commission on the Herta Space Station earlier regarding the love story of a girl named Lily and a man named Rocky.

[Stelle]: I thought about it for a long time and decided to tell the person involved the truth. Since you're out, do you want to come with me?

[March 7th]: Ah, a cruel yet romantic love story... I can't bear to see things like that, so I'll pass. Xiao Xi, you go with Stelle.

[Himeko]: The time for the Express to depart is approaching. Everyone, remember to say goodbye to your friends during this time.

[Stelle]: Got it.

[March 7th]: Understood! (Pom-Pom heart)

[Xiao Xi]: Thanks for the reminder, Himeko! (Pom-Pom heart)

[Dan Heng]: Understood.

[Himeko]: Then have fun, everyone.

Not long after replying to Stelle's message, Xiao Xi found her on the space station.

"Lily was caught in a spacequake. She is drifting further and further away from our time, and Rocky, who has been waiting for a result... In short, that's how it is. But I think this is their love; regardless, Rocky has the right to know the truth," Stelle said with a hint of melancholy.

Xiao Xi patted Stelle on the shoulder to comfort her. "I also think the person involved has the right to the truth. At the very least, if it were me, I wouldn't want to live with regrets in the future."

"Let's go. Let's find Rocky."

Xiao Xi and Stelle found Rocky in his office. "How is it, Stelle? Did you... find a reply from Lily? What did she say?" Rocky asked anxiously.

"This..." Stelle hesitated for a moment, then began, "Rocky, please listen to me slowly. The situation is like this..."

After hearing the tragic news Stelle brought, Rocky remained dazed for a long time. "Is that so..."

"To spend a lifetime waiting for someone, enduring endless longing and loneliness..." Rocky's tone was heavy. "Honestly, buddy, you don't really think I'm that naive, do you?"

Suddenly, he began to laugh. "Haha! Of course I wouldn't wait for her! I won't wait..."

Rocky turned around, his tone gradually becoming firm. "I won't wait..."

"But I will go after her. I am going to chase after time!"

Xiao Xi and Stelle were stunned by the resolve in Rocky's words. Xiao Xi pursed her lips, suddenly thinking of her own Path power. [Hope], was it? Perhaps it could create a miracle.

Thinking this, Xiao Xi stepped forward slowly and said, "I don't know how to chase after time, but I still wish to offer you a blessing. May the power of the Path guide your way and bring you hope."

The blessing of [Hope] was bestowed upon Rocky. Just as Xiao Xi had wished, may this sincere love find its fulfillment, no matter what.

At the same time, in the distant reaches of the cosmos, it seemed that some existence cast its gaze upon this moment.

On the way back to the Express from the space station, Stelle and Xiao Xi finally recovered from the events of the day.

"Rocky... I didn't expect him to make such a decision. I thought this was a story destined for tragedy," Stelle remarked.

"Indeed. Chasing after time—that is truly a romantic thing to do," Xiao Xi said softly.

Looking ahead, Xiao Xi walked a few steps faster, then turned back, reached out a hand toward Stelle, and smiled. "So now, we must begin our own Trailblazing journey. May our journey never end, and may we reach the stars."

Stelle paused, then took Xiao Xi's outstretched hand. "Yes. May we reach the stars."

"Hehe, then let's go. Let's return to the Express together; everyone should be waiting for us there."