No, Not Like This!

It's so awesome when you can clear the Simulated Universe just by casually grinding through a few "Reward Stages" and "Event Stages" without lifting a finger!

Stelle felt incredibly fortunate.

Even in the final stage, facing the ultimate boss, Screwllum didn't let the Trailblazer make a move.

The automaton simply reached out and used the developer mode it had been using all along.

Then, all that could be heard was the sound of the virtual boss in front being torn to shreds by the distorted airflow.

Cleared!

Too easy, without breaking a sweat.

Before exiting the Simulated Universe, Stelle winked at Screwllum.

"Will you accompany me next time I test the Simulated Universe, Mr. Screwllum?"

The automaton understood the Trailblazer's intentions, but its heart was willing while its strength was lacking. After all, the Simulated Universe still relied on the Trailblazer for testing. If it always used cheats, it would lose the meaning of testing.

"I'm sorry, Stelle."

The fluorescent green light flowing from Screwllum's eyes dimmed for a moment, then quickly returned to its brilliance.

"However, next time you encounter me in the Simulated Universe store, I can secretly give you a 50% discount when you purchase blessings."

The Trailblazer's expression lit up with joy, and just as it was about to say something, Herta's voice echoed like narration.

"Ahem! Screwllum, what are you muttering about? I'm still here! You two hurry up and come out after testing. Screwllum, don't forget we have a meeting to attend."

"The life of a genius is truly busy."

Stelle glanced sympathetically at Screwllum, who was about to enter high-intensity programmer work mode, and then left the Simulated Universe ahead of it.

Screwllum spent less time entering and exiting the Simulated Universe than the Trailblazer.

So when Stelle stood still at the Herta Space Station, she already saw Herta and Screwllum chatting.

The rewards for this week's test were quietly placed on the table.

And a plate of Plum Blossom Cake.

"Huh, it feels so familiar..."

Stelle scratched its head. It skillfully and quickly packed up the rewards, only glancing at the pastry and not intending to eat it.

Maybe it was the afternoon tea of these Simulated Universe partners. It shouldn't secretly taste their supplies after their mental labor.

Thinking this, Stelle prepared its backpack and packed away the bat.

Gogogo, let's go!

Star Rail, here I come!

Before Stelle could take a step, a gentle female voice suddenly stopped it from behind.

"Stelle."

Huh?!

Herta and Screwllum's conversation continued uninterrupted.

Then who was this female voice? Who else was in Herta's office?

The Trailblazer turned around and discovered an unexpected person.

It was...

Ruan Mei?

The Trailblazer took some effort to search for this person's name from its memory.

It must have been a long time since they last met, so it had forgotten a little.

"Ah, Ruan Mei, long time no see."

She greeted the woman in front of her with a smile.

She remembered that the last time Ruan Mei came to the space station, she was an unattainable existence for all the staff, and even a few words of conversation were something to boast about.

So the Trailblazer had a deep impression of Ruan Mei.

Aha: Deep impression, you almost forgot about her.

Stelle: Yeah, I also find it strange, how did my memory become so bad.

"It must be tiring to clear the Simulated Universe. I made these pastries myself. I remember you like this flavor of Plum Blossom Cake, try some?"

Ruan Mei walked two steps closer to the Trailblazer, her gaze falling on the plate of Plum Blossom Cake.

"Ah, then I..." might as well accept it respectfully.

Just as Stelle was about to say that, Aha suddenly interrupted her.

Aha: Don't eat it yet!

Stelle: Ah?

Aha: This plate of pastries is drugged.

Stelle: What?!

Aha: No wonder, no wonder you almost forgot about the woman in front of you. She gave you pastries containing Truth-Suppressing Agent before. As the effects of the drug kick in, you'll slowly forget her. You don't remember any of this?

Stelle: Hmm... I couldn't remember clearly at first, but now that you mention it, I seem to recall something.

Aha: This time, the drug is the opposite of Truth-Suppressing Agent. After you eat it, not only will you not forget her, but you'll remember her forever.

Stelle: Huh? That's completely unnecessary. If you wanted me not to forget her, then why in the first place...

Aha: Who knows? Maybe she regretted it. Maybe she doesn't want to be forgotten by you now.

Anyway, I've told you everything.

So, are you going to eat this pastry in front of you?

The Trailblazer was reaching out to grab the pastry and eat it.

Hearing Aha's words, its hand suddenly froze in mid-air.

The air fell into an eerie silence.

No way, did the Trailblazer notice?

Ruan Mei frowned slightly, unconsciously.

It was clearly colorless and odorless. Even Herta wouldn't be able to taste it if she didn't say anything.

Ruan Mei saw the Trailblazer slowly retract its hand.

"What's wrong, Stelle? Don't you like the flavor?"

Her voice was a little strained.

"Ah, haha, no, it's not that."

Stelle scratched her head, her gaze darting towards the door, looking like she was about to make a run for it.

"Ahem, I haven't been feeling well lately, so I can only eat the Star Rail's special meals to take care of my body.

Ruan Mei, I appreciate your kindness. Next time I'm on the Star Rail, I'll treat you to plum wine.

Let's leave it at that for today. I have something to do, so I'll head back first. Goodbye!"

Her mouth was like a sweater with a pulled thread, the words coming faster and faster, to the point where she couldn't even spare a breath.

She finished her farewell speech in one go, not even looking at Ruan Mei's reaction, and rushed towards the door, immediately running away.

How should I put it? The Trailblazer isn't very good at handling these kinds of situations.

It's just too awkward.

After all, it's already been reminded by Aha of what Ruan Mei did to it before.

In that case, it's impossible for the Trailblazer to pretend that nothing happened.

Since Ruan Mei was the one who fed it the value-added pastry in the first place.

Since Ruan Mei wanted it to forget her.

Then let it be as she wishes.

The Trailblazer couldn't bear to see what kind of expression would appear on Ruan Mei's face after being rejected.

So, it left in a very flustered manner.

Although there must be a way to resolve things perfectly.

For example, by activating Elation mode.

Although it's true that it could handle it perfectly in the Elation state.

But, but there's no need for that at all!

Besides, the other self's sadistic tendencies are no joke.

Who knows, once Aha takes control of the body, it might capture all three geniuses present.

She doesn't have any plans to extend her reach to the Genius Society just yet.

Don't do that kind of thing!

Watching the Trailblazer's figure fleeing as if avoiding something unpleasant, Ruan Mei lowered her head expressionlessly, glancing at the soft and delicious pastries on the plate.

The Plum Blossom Cakes had completely cooled down, no longer emitting heat.

The sugar coating on the outside had a cold color.

It looked like it was covered with a layer of arsenic, making it unappetizing.

Ruan Mei picked up the plate and dumped the entire plate of pastries.

Herta and Screwllum, who were exchanging ideas nearby, hadn't failed to notice the Trailblazer's abnormal behavior of running away.

But they both tacitly pretended not to see it.

After all, smart people know what things they should interfere with.

And what things they shouldn't.