Caelus seemed to be regaining consciousness and opened his eyes slowly. At first he was still a little dazed and forgot where he was. Then he realized he was on a space station. Then, March, who had been looking after him for several hours, greeted him.
The two of them chatted and March praised Caelus for saving himself and other people. March considers Caelus to be a hero opposite Sento who is also credited with revealing the weakness of the Doomsday Beast.
In the same room zone, Sento is seen talking to someone. He is Welt Yang, one of the Astral Express members who is quite strong and intelligent.
Sento: "I think we don't see each other often, but there's no harm in chatting for a while, right ?"
Welt: "I don't think you're wrong, Sento. (Smile) Hm, I think 3 years have passed and it feels like a lot of changes have occurred at this station and throughout the galaxy. It all started with your presence, out of nowhere, you amazed all scientists and lay people throughout the galaxy with your skills."
Sento: "I also never thought it would have such a big impact."
Welt: "Yeah. But speaking of skills... I think this is the first time I've actually seen you fight behind sophisticated armor. 2 years ago I thought it was just a rumor, because rarely or never has there been a researcher who can fight like a trained soldier. Researchers or scientists' job is only to research or create something truly amazing. But you... you can actually have more than just one ability."
Sento: "That actually sounds excessive, but I can basically do almost anything. Of course, as long as I want to study it seriously. Well, I guess I'll meet the kid."
Welt: "That kid ? You mean, that kid named Calius, eh, Caelus ?"
Sento: "Yup. I could see potential in him. He is also not an ordinary human. So don't take him lightly."
Welt: "Honestly, I can see great potential in him. But we never know its potential in the future to bring good things to us or bad things to everyone, including us. Moreover, he has a powerful and very dangerous object called Stellaron inside his body. I can at least sense a little but I cannot confirms if that was true."
Sento: "Stellaron, huh ? I studied it independently and looked for several sources from other planet libraries. And the result I concluded was that Stellaron seems to be an object that has the nickname "Cancer of All Worlds". Stellaron is also a mysterious semi-sentient objects that are at the center of many events in universe. What I heard too, Stellarons are most commonly found on planets that have large concentrations of people, mainly due to their ability to grant wishes."
Welt: "You're right about that."
Sento: "It is said that people can have their own wishes granted with Stellaron. But from the many histories recorded in libraries, they always end up causing extraordinary disasters. I don't know further what the reason is, what is clear is that Stellaron can become dangerous if used by people or creatures who have problems too."
Welt: "Hm, okay. I think I can leave Caelus to you too."
Sento: "That's my plan. Well, I have to meet that kid. I'm sure the others have also gathered."
Sento then left Welt. Sento was still thinking about Stellaron which he had previously discussed with Welt, but he chose to forget about it for now. In short, he finally met Caelus, Himeko, and an special guest, Herta.
Himeko: "Oh look who's here."
Caelus: "Mr. Kiryu !"
Sento: "Yo, all of you. (Looking at Herta) You're here ?! I've never seen you here so often."
Herta: "Oh so you're here, eccentric genius. I don't think I need to look for you anymore. By the way, you seem to be quite close to this litle twerp."
Sento: "You can say like that."
Himeko: "He also helped us in fighting the Doomsday Beast. But, I think the ultimate winner in this event was that young man."
Herta: "Hm, I wonder how great this little twerp is. But Sento, I think you already know that this kid has something called Stellaron, an item I collected to protect him from disaster or something."
Senro: "Of course I know it. I even know a little history about the Stellaron in his body."
Herta: "Hmm, that's good. But what I'm curious about is how could they activate this dormant Stellaron into this rather twerp body. How did they do it ?"
Himeko: "Moreover, the Stellaron is still very stable in Caelus's body."
Sento: "You are right. Caelus' body didn't seem to have any reaction so far. I think Caelus' body does have some oddities or advantages."
Caelus: "Mr. Kiryu, I don't think you need to say my body is strange. By the way Miss Herta, my name is Caelus not little twerp."
Herta: "Alright, Caelus. I got it. But I'm still gonna call you little twerp. The space in my brain is too valuable to store people's names."
Himeko: "Oh ! Well, thanks for remembering my name."
Sento: "I see. Well, at least you didn't forget my name, right ?"
Herta: "That's different. You both have useful contributions to myself and this station. Um, what was your name again ? Uhm, forget it. Ltes focus on the one who can store a Stellaron in their body. Can I bring him in some reasearch ?"
Himeko: "Tha'ts not up to me to decide, you can ask Caelus yourself."
Caelus: "Study what ?"
Herta: "You just need to follow me."
Caelus: "Hmm, okay, fine."
Sento: "Wow, you're pretty sure about that ?"
Herta: "Wow, this little twerp pretty motivated. I like it."
Himeko: "Alright, give the poor child a break, Herta."
Herta: "(Excited) Im very interested now, so there's almost nothing I wont accomoddate. A Stellaron in your body, how interesting is that ! Be grateful that Im offering to help you. This is a service even the IPC cant but."
Himeko: "You understand now, Caelus ? Herta want you to stay in her space station."
Herta: "Well, Im going to have modify your wording here. This little twerp only can stay temporarily until the research is done. Or maybe I'll lose interest halfway through and he can just beat it."
Sento: "Then after that ?"
Herta: "Uhm... not my problem."
Himeko: "Hm, or you have another option. The Astral Express... if you want, you can leave with us. The Express has its fair share of experience with Stellaron. The thing you worried about, and the answers we're looking for are one and the same. Besides, we can comeback anytime to let Herta conduct her research. She's absolutely fascinated now."
Sento: "Well, that's not a bad idea, right Caelus ?"
Herta: "Hm, works for me, keeps this subject fresh, too. And that way I won't need to keep worrying about this little twerp all the time. Perfect !"
Caelus: "(Nodded) Hm. You really are the most self-centered person I've ever meet."
Sento: "Hm, I guess you just don't know about the other members of the Genius Society. The members of the Genius Society that I have heard about or have met once are a group of people who have complicated thoughts, sometimes beyond the limits of humanity, and of course some of them will play tricks on you who are not as genius as them and use their sweet words. But Herta wasn't that bad. She still has at least some honesty.."
Herta: "Just remember to come back often. Make an appointment in advance with Asta or Arlan so I can make time to study you."
Himeko: "There's no need to rush into this, Herta. Asta's in the master control zone. Let's let Caelus have a talk with Asta first and decide for himself. Right, Sento ?"
Sento: "It was a wise choice."
Himeko: "Caelus, I'll wait for you on the platform. There's no need to rush if there's still something you want to do. Come find me when you made your decision. Oh, and Sento, I hope you can take care of him as much as you can. (Whispers to Sento) You know what happens if you let Herta take care of it herself."
Sento: "Oh, I know what you mean. Alright, I will do my best."
Himeko then went to the Railway Platform zone to wait for Caelus there. Meanwhile, Sento plans to accompany Caelus as best he can. Sento also plans to accompany Caelus to Herta's private office, where Herta will carry out some kind of research on Caelus' body.
Sento: "Alright Caelus, let's go to Herta's office. You know, she is not someone as patient as me or the other geniuses at this station. She could be said to like people who are punctual."
They rushed to Herta's office which was not far from there. Sento directed Caelus and they arrived at Herta's office which was well guarded.
Inside, Caelus seemed amazed by the contents of Herta's office. Sento also explained a little that the contents of this room were considered by some researchers to be a treasure of knowledge.
Caelus: "Wow, this room is cool and quite spacious."
Sento: "From what several researchers have discussed, this room is said to be considered a treasure of knowledge. But I don't believe it, because this is just an office space, not a library."
Caelus: "Hm, what's that there, Mr. Kiryu ?'
Sento: "That..."
Herta: "Photos of Genius Society members. Yep, they're a bunch of great people, aren't they."
Sento: "Oh, it's you."
Caelus: "(Feeling Strange) Hm, I feel something is strange. How does this guy move faster than us to his office?! Didn't we see him outside earlier ?"
Herta: "I haven't move. What you're seeing is one of my remote-controlled puppets. They're all over the station. I just connect to one wherever I am needed."
Caelus: "So that's the reason why the other one is still like a statue. Mr. Kiryu, why didn't you tell me earlier ?"
Sento: "Sometimes finding out for yourself is better than hearing from other people first."
Herta: "Enough chit-chat, Caelus and Sento. I am working on a big project with a few colleagues. If we succeed, it will answer the ultimate question that's been puzzling us for thousand of Amber Eras: The truth about Aeons."
Sento: "Aeons, huh."
Caelus: "Uh..."
Herta: "Aeons... think about it. What a mystical existence ! Some Aeons used to be ordinary human like you two and me, but somehow they managed to obtain power beyond our imagination ! They're mysterious, powerful, silent, and terryfying ! It's hard to explain all the mysteries surrounding them. How they're created ? Why they're created ? What were they created for ? Caelus, Sento, have ever you two thought about these question ?"
Sento (In mind): "Aeons, a group of entities, sometimes referred to as gods. I heard from several sources that they are a group of mystical entities that are very strong and can even easily destroy galaxies or even universes. If they're really that scary, I don't think my science powers can possibly work on them. Of course, if they threaten humanity."
Caelus: "What's this got to do with me ?"
Herta: "Well indeed, it's got nothing to do with you, but we need you. Give me some time Caelus, I'll make this worthwhile for you too. The four geniuses of the society wrote a program together. You see the big machine in the office ? That machine containt a universe, just like a universe we live in. But it's more streamlined and customized."
Sento: "So this is the project you've been working on for the past few weeks? Like universe simulation, huh. Interesting to know how it works."
Herya: "Yup. And it's called a "Metaverse"."
Caelus: "(Impatient) Let's just keep it simple."
Sento: "I think Caelus just wants to get to the point."
Herta: "Oh, really ? That's what my partner said as well. Fine, am a team player. Then let's call it Simulated Universe", and it was inspired by Sento's words just now. Yup, drain ain't a bad name either. Now go and experience it for yourself. I and Sento will guide you in the Simulated Universe to make sure nothing happens to you. I'll even give you a substantial reward."
Caelus then stepped in front of the machine and was immediately teleported. He is teleported into a world very similar to the Herta Space Station. There, he received a digital message from Herta and Sento.
Herta (Message): "Caelus, can you see this message ? If you do so, just tap anywhere on the screen."
Sento (Message): "Hi, Caelus. Don't worry, your body is still sitting in the office. This is a Simulated Universe that generated from your memories. That's what I know a little about how this machine works."
Herta (Message): "This is only the Alpha test server, where the features are not fully avaible.Now, try to walk around."
Sento (Message): "Think of it like playing a video game. But I guess you've never played like that, right ?"
Herta advised Caelus to travel around simulated universe and look for enemies to defeat. She also said that the Aeons in the simulated world version could be interested and aware of Caelus' presence there.
Inside there, Caelus met quite a lot of enemies and tried his best to defeat them all in his own way. Outside the simulation machine, Sento and Herta appear to be watching Caelsu closely through a surveillance computer for the virtual world.
There, they saw Caelus who seemed to be having quite a hard time fighting the Legion, so Herta ordered Sento to enter a replica of the form and all the skills of the Astral Express crew that Herta had collected. Sento enters the forms of March 7th and Dan Heng into the simulated universe to help defeat Caelus.
Every time he finishes a battle with several groups of Legion troops, Caelus always gets an information screen about the Aeons, and the first Aeon he meets or gets information about is Qlipoth. Herta also briefly explained via digital message about the Aeons and maybe their relatianships.
Here Caelus felt like he wanted to know quite a lot about the Aeons, but Herta had another answer.
Caelus (Digital): "Tell me more about the relationship between the Aeons."
Herta (Message): "What you saw was the simulated Aeon carefully cultivated by Ruan Mei and Screwllum. The simulated Aeons will ignore us just like the real ones. So I set your simulated identity as Akivili, Aeon of Trailblaze, to atrract them."
Caelus (Digital): "I see."
Herta (Message): "Now it seems that my judgement is correct. Next time you run into the Aeons, try to get something out of them."
Every time Caelus defeats an enemy in the simulated universe, he not only gets confirmation about the Aeons, but also a kind of blessing to make his battle in that world easier.
Herta then accelerated the fighting process to be 3 times faster. She did this to the simulated universe system because she was impatient.
Caelus had at least defeated quite a lot of Legion troops there and gotten information about the 2 Aeons. There he got information about Fuli, Aeon of Rememberence. The system in the simulated universe explains Aeon Fuli quite briefly, where this Aeon has a humanoid appearance but with a vague face, and its entire body is like crystal.
Herta was very happy to see this and he said that Caelus was considered Akivili so the Aeons started to arrive.
Herta (Message): "We did it ! That was Fuli. They thought you were the fallen Akivili, so they actively started conversation with you. Fuli is valuable for our research becasue they have the memory of all beings and know almost as much as everything, like Nous, Aeon of Erudition."
Then Caelus also received information about the second Aeon. When he saw its form, Caelus felt as horrified as he had seen the previous Aeons, but he was also amazed by this one.
Caelus (Digital): "This figure... for some reason I feel something strange about him."
System: "You see a humanoid figure standing bravely with a mask that is terrifying but also symbolizes splendor and strength. With a giant golden clock-shaped throne behind him and his hands posing as if challenging warriors from all over the universe."
System: "When you look amazed and trembling at the sight of him, he seems to emit golden waves and sound like a ticking clock. A wave that shows dominance to all creatures who try to rebel against him."
Herta (Message): "And, this is the newest Aeon in the Simulated Universe. Aeon of Time, also known as the overseer of the past and future, Ohma Zi-O. I don't know what the significance behind the name is, because the name is quite unique to me. But they could also be an important asset for my future research."
<<The source already in the picture>>
Sento (Message): "Somehow I look familiar with this figure. But I don't see it in gold. I don't know, maybe I'm delirious."
Herta (Message): "What is known by history is that he was one of the oldest Aeons and was at least on the same old as Akivili. They probably knows Akivili and came to you too, Caelus. Now get out of there. I want to upgrade the Simulated Universe. You need to stay in there even longer in the future."
Caelus then woke up in the real world and saw Sento and Herta watching him. He woke up feeling a little dizzy.
Sento: "So, what's it like exploring the Simulated Universe for the first time ?"
Caelus: "It almost made me nauseous and it was quite scary to see the Aeons in person even though they were just created by the system inside there."
Herta: "It's normal for someone to go there for the first time. But I have to say it was a success ! I have to tell this news to Stephen rught away... Caelus, don't just there. Go in again for a walk and see if you can get a few more words out of Them or something..."
Caelus: "Really ? You should show me some respect at least."
Sento: "I guess giving respect isn't so bad."
Herta: "Oh, you're right. I got too excited, sorry Caelus. I do respect you ! If you don't mind, could you please go in for another test ? I've upgraded the Simulatred Universe. Now it has even more RAM and can support longer sessions. I guess last round was pretty boring, si I'll get Stephen to add some more fun stuff."
Caelus: "Hmm..."
Herta: "This part is specifially made for you. I hope you have lots fun !"
Caelus: "Okay, I guess. This looks like it could be better and more fun."
Herta: "Oh that's for sure. Overrall, this is a long-scheduled version update with longer gameplay, more content, better rewards, and more bizzare difficulty. So get ready and prepare to get back into the Simulated Universe beta test !"
Caleus then planned to enter the Simulated Universe again and carry out the test that Herta asked for once again. In there he as usual defeated several enemies and finally met another Aeon. There it seems like Aeon Fuli and Ohma actually seem interested in Caelus.
System: "The strange things happened again. A chill creeps up your spine, mist clouds your eye, and you see the familiar vision appearing again."
System: "Now they come even closer to you. You can feel their presence and their power. Fuli, Aeon of Rememberance, appears again. They stood as if floating in the air, hanging his head down. Not sure if they saw you or not, you couldn't see the direction of their eyes."
Caelus (Digital): "This feeling again... I have to do it !"
Caelus did what Herta asked before, talking as much as possible with the Aeons he met and getting enough information from them. He also began to have a short conversation with Fuli in which they spoke in a soft tone. It made Caelus feel an inner calm when he heard it.
Caelus finished in the first Aeon, Fuli. Now he continues to the second Aeon, Ohma Zi-O. Here, Caelus looks quite anxious and is actually afraid of this Aeon, because they figure and appearance seem unfriendly.
System: "They come. Coming befitting a King, with a golden aura and waves of energy that spread throughout the universe. They approach you slowly."
System: "A voice that seemed calm but firm came out of that Aeon "No one knows what the future will be like to determine each person's destiny. You, he/she, they, and all creatures have their own destiny. This universe... I see it... many people choose their own path and fight for it. Don't lose your way and your determination." They continued "Aeon of Trailblaze, I think you understand that.", Then the firm but gentle voice disappeared into the depths of darkness."
Caelus (Digital): "A word... that I still don't understand. But it was a conversation that was enough to make me feel that Aeon... wouldn't be dangerous if I accidentally met him in the real world."
Herta (Message): "(Enthusiastic) You met Fuli and Ohma again ! Well done. previous testers never even got a respon from Fuli, especially Ohma."
Herta chatted briefly with Caelus, where Caelus still needed supervision in this Simulated Universe. However, in the future he can play the Simulated Universe freely if he comes back to Herta's Space Station and Caelus' brain will definitely adapt to the conditions in the Simulated Universe.
Caelus continued his mission there and fought more enemies. Sento, who monitors the real world through a digital monitor, feels that Caelus has almost unlimited potential in the future.
Caelus continues to defeat many enemies and blessings to make his journey easier. Then after finishing defeating several groups of enemies he saw a terminal. Hetrta suggested Caelus go to that download terminal.
Caelus also accessed the terminal and Herta explained its function to Caelus.
For a long time, Caelus finally met again with one of the Aeons, namely Aha, Aeon of Elation. The Aeon talked to Caelus as if he thought Caelus was the Akivili he knew.
System: "Akivili, Akivili !" A voice laughed wildly, "It has been so long. I miss you greatly." Your hairs stand on the end. This is the infectious enthusiasm of a madman."
System: "They appear before you, without a head and mask in their arms. They waved their hand at you, still spinning in circles, their arms hanging in mid-air, their muscles controlling their trembling knuckles, and their posture like that of the sculpture."
System: ""I'm so sad." They suddenly become so sorrowful, "Why did you die ?" They whimpered in pain, as tears ran down the back of your hand. You felt like you really had died."
System: "You have fallen for a long time and the universe has lose it orders." They begin to clap their hands, "Then everything started to turn into chaos ! This is what I want ! I want to hug you, unfortunatelyI'm just a equation in a computer. Oh that seems kinda cool." They scratched their head."
Herta (Message): "This punk has figured it out again. I have to get Screwllum to edit their data once more again..."
System: ""I have to apologize to you. Really, I lay in ambush aboard your train for a whole year just to blow it up with your Nameless followers. I could'nt resist it, I'm sorry." They put their hand to their chest guility and bowed solemnly."
Herta (Message): "This disgrace is still pretending. They've already figured out you're not Akivili. Aha, the Aeon of Elation. A very elusive one who probably found themeselves living ina game. This fella is very dangerous and noisy. Next time bite your tongue and talk to them more, thanks for your hard work."
Caelus continued his fight in the Simulated Universe, until he had enough, he was asked by Herta to stop and thank him for helping him collect data on several Aeons.
Caelus then left the room after chatting briefly with Herta, followed by Sento who also wanted to take a walk at the station while accompanying Caelus.
But before that, Caelus was told to wait a moment outside because Herta seemed to want to talk to Sento. After waiting for some time, Sento came out and the two of them walked.
Sento: "So how do you feel in the Simulated Universe ?"
Caelus: "(Feeling Cool) I think that's the coolest thing I've ever tried. I want to try again, but I don't think now is the time."
Sento: "Herta is also still busy with other work besides continuing to update the Simulated Universe. But I don't think it will be difficult for her, because she is a very capable genius."
Caelus: "Talking about the Simulated Universe, do you know about that golden Aeon ?"
Sento: "Unfortunately, I'm still unsure about that. I feel like I've seen him before, but I still doubt it's him."
Caelus: "Him ?"
Sento: "Ah, it's nothing, really. Hey, I guess I'll chat with the others. You, if there's still something you want to do here, do it quickly and don't make Himeko wait."
Caelus then went around several station zones. Meanwhile, Sento meets Asta who is in the Master Control zone. There, Asta is still taking care of several problems at the station and helping to fix them.
Asta: "(Tired) Ugh, I'm getting a bit tired. I still have a lot of problems at the station to solve, especially as I am the leader and owner of this station."
Sento: "Need help ? Your face shows it."
Asta: "Oh, Sento ?! I didn't realize you came here again."
Sento: "There is one thing I must tell you about this."
Asta: "(A bit Glum) Huh ?! Oh you're right, about you wanting to join Astral Express for some reason."
Sento: "That's right. Herta has discussed it with me and she agreed, as long as I still provides information about Caelus who seems to prefer to go with the Astral Express and send it to her."
Asta: "Oh, I see. But... I can't imagine what would happen if you left this station. You've only been here for 3 years, but you've already brought a lot of changes to this station. I'm afraid that this station will become less safe from threats like the Antimatter Legion. All of that is because of you, Sento, who always helps other researchers who have difficulties in their research, and also maintains security at the station from external and internal threats."
Sento: "I know that. But, my biggest dream is to get on the Astral Express. Of course I have my reasons, exploring the world further away and seeking more knowledge, which of course I will use to bring love and peace."
Asta: "(Smile) I understand. Ok, I think this could be a touching goodbye. And I think..."
Sento: "But before I go, there is something I have to show you and Arlan."
Asta: "What's that ?"
Sento: "Something that might be able to protect this station as well as you and Arlan while I'm not here to help you."