A Simulated Universe where she did not have to lift a finger, where she could clear it just by casually running through a few reward stages and event stages—it felt absolutely amazing!
Stelle felt ridiculously blessed.
Even at the final stage, against the ultimate boss, Screwllum had not let the Trailblazer make a move.
The mechanical lifeform merely raised a hand and activated the Developer Mode he had used all along the way.
Then came the sound of the phantom boss before them being torn to pieces by distorted currents of air.
Clear!
It had been too easy, effortless.
Before leaving the Simulated Universe, Stelle winked at Screwllum.
"Could you accompany me again the next time I test the Simulated Universe, Mr. Screwllum?"
The mechanical lifeform understood what the Trailblazer was thinking, but he was willing yet unable. After all, the Simulated Universe still relied on the Trailblazer for testing. If they used cheats every time, the tests would lose their meaning.
"I'm sorry, Stelle."
The fluorescent green light flowing from Screwllum's eyes dimmed for an instant before quickly regaining its brilliance.
"However, if you encounter me in a Simulated Universe shop next time, I can secretly give you a fifty percent discount when you purchase Blessings."
The Trailblazer's expression brightened, and just as she was about to say something, Herta's voice rang out like an offscreen narration.
"Ahem! Screwllum, what are you two whispering about? I'm still here! Get out once you're done testing. Screwllum, don't forget that we have a meeting to attend."
"Geniuses really do lead busy lives."
Stelle looked sympathetically at Screwllum, who would soon enter an intense programmer-work mode, then left the Simulated Universe ahead of him.
Screwllum took far less time to enter and exit the Simulated Universe than the Trailblazer did.
So by the time Stelle found her footing in Herta Space Station, Herta and Screwllum were already chatting.
The rewards for this week's test sat quietly on the table.
Along with a plate of Plum Blossom Cake.
"Huh? This feels strangely familiar..."
Stelle scratched her head and swiftly packed up the rewards with practiced ease. She only gave the pastries an extra glance, with no intention of eating them.
Maybe it was afternoon tea for the Simulated Universe partners. She had better not secretly sample their post-brainwork provisions.
With that in mind, Stelle packed her bag and put away her bat.
Go, go, go! Time to set off!
Star Rail, here I come!
Before Stelle could even take a step, a gentle female voice suddenly called out from behind her.
"Stelle."
"Huh?!"
Herta and Screwllum's conversation continued uninterrupted.
Then who did that female voice belong to? Who else was in Herta's office?
The Trailblazer turned around, only to see someone unexpected.
It was...
Ruan Mei?
It took the Trailblazer some effort to dig that person's name out of her memories.
They probably had not met in a long time, so she had forgotten a little.
"Ah, Ruan Mei. Long time no see."
She greeted the woman before her with a cheerful smile.
She still remembered the last time Ruan Mei had come to the space station. To all the researchers, she had been an unattainable presence. Even exchanging a few words with her had been enough to brag about.
That was why the Trailblazer's impression of Ruan Mei had been rather deep.
Aha: A deep impression? You almost forgot her.
Stelle: Yeah, I find it strange too. Why has my memory gotten so bad?
"Clearing the Simulated Universe must have been exhausting. I made these pastries myself. I remember that you like this flavor of Plum Blossom Cake. Would you like to try some?"
Ruan Mei stepped two paces closer to the Trailblazer, her gaze falling upon the plate of Plum Blossom Cake.
"Ah, then I'll..." gladly accept.
Just as Stelle was about to say that, Aha suddenly interrupted her.
Aha: Don't eat it yet!
Stelle: Huh?
Aha: That plate of pastries has been drugged.
Stelle: What?!
Aha: No wonder, no wonder you almost forgot the woman in front of you. She gave you pastries containing a Truth-Suppressing Agent before. As the medicine took effect, you would gradually forget her. Have you forgotten all that too?
Stelle: Mm... I couldn't remember clearly at first, but now that you mention it, I seem to recall a little.
Aha: This time, she used an agent with the opposite effect of the Truth-Suppressing Agent. After you eat it, not only will you not forget her—you'll remember her forever.
Stelle: Eh? That's completely unnecessary. If she didn't want me to forget her, then why did she...
Aha: Who knows? She probably regretted it. Maybe she no longer wants you to forget her.
Anyway, I've told you everything.
So, are you going to eat the pastries in front of you?
The Trailblazer had already reached out, ready to take a pastry.
Hearing Aha's words, her hand suddenly froze in midair.
The air fell into an eerie silence.
Something was wrong. Had the Trailblazer discovered it?
Ruan Mei unconsciously furrowed her brow slightly.
It was colorless and odorless. As long as she said nothing, even Herta would not be able to taste it.
Ruan Mei watched the Trailblazer slowly withdraw her hand.
"What's wrong, Stelle? Don't you like this flavor?"
Her voice sounded slightly forced.
"Ah, haha, that's not it."
Stelle scratched her head, covertly glancing toward the door. She looked entirely like someone about to grease her soles and make a quick escape.
"Ahem, I haven't been feeling well lately, so I can only eat the Star Rail's specially supplied meals to recuperate."
"Ruan Mei, I appreciate the thought. Next time you come to the train, I'll treat you to plum wine."
"That's it for today. I have something to do, so I'll be heading back now. Bye!"
Her mouth was like a sweater with a loose thread, her words coming faster and faster until she was unwilling to spare even a breath.
After rattling off her farewell in one breath, she did not even look at Ruan Mei's reaction. She dashed for the door and immediately ran off.
How should she put it? The Trailblazer was not very good at dealing with situations like this.
It was just too awkward.
After all, Aha had already reminded her what Ruan Mei had done to her before.
With that being the case, it was impossible for the Trailblazer to pretend that nothing had happened.
Since Ruan Mei had been the one to feed her pastries with extra ingredients at no extra cost in the first place.
Since Ruan Mei had wanted her to forget her.
Then she would grant her wish.
The Trailblazer could not bear to see what expression might appear on Ruan Mei's face after being rejected.
So she fled in utter embarrassment.
Of course, there had to be a perfect way to resolve this.
For example, activating Elation Mode.
Though she could handle it perfectly in her Elation state.
But, but there was absolutely no need for that!
Besides, her other self's sadistic streak was no joke.
Maybe the instant Elation Stelle took control of her body, she would conquer all three geniuses present.
For now, she had no plans to extend her hand into the Genius Society.
Not this kind of thing!
Watching the Trailblazer flee as though avoiding a plague, Ruan Mei expressionlessly lowered her head and looked at the soft, delectable pastries on the plate.
The Plum Blossom Cake had gone completely cold and no longer gave off any steam.
The sugar frosting on its surface gleamed with an icy hue.
It looked as though it had been coated in arsenic, utterly unappetizing.
Ruan Mei picked up the plate and dumped all the pastries away.
Herta and Screwllum, who had been conversing nearby, had not failed to notice the Trailblazer's unusual hasty departure.
Yet neither of them mentioned it, both tacitly pretending they had seen nothing.
After all, smart people knew which matters they should meddle in.
And which matters they should not.
Before you continue