Herta: I Have Too Many Questions About the Aeons

The news of the Aeon of Trailblaze's return spread rapidly across the universe.

Among them, the Masked Fools from the Tavern played a significant role in spreading this information.

Even the Genius Society and the Interastral Peace Corporation received messages from the Masked Fools before detecting the Imaginary Energy Tsunami capable of shaking a third of the known universe.

Initially, the Genius Society and the Interastral Peace Corporation dismissed the Masked Fools' messages as mere pranks from those mischievous beings.

However, reports from various regions of the universe gathered information about the Nameless, and coupled with the undeniable evidence of an Imaginary Energy Tsunami—something only an Aeon could trigger—forced them to face an unbelievable truth.

The Aeon of Trailblaze, who had been absent from the universe for two entire eras of prosperity, had indeed returned.

The Aeon of Trailblaze's "fall" had always been shrouded in uncertainty; no one had ever definitively confirmed the Aeon's demise. Thus, its reappearance, while surprising, was not entirely incomprehensible.

However, the great powers of the universe were on edge. After all, the two previous eras of cosmic prosperity were both tied to the Aeon of Trailblaze.

The Three Great Eras of the Universe

The First Era: Era of Dusk

In this era, galaxies were isolated by immense distances. Cosmic beasts roamed the cosmos, devouring one star system after another.

During this period, the Aeons of Permanence, Preservation, Voracity, Order, Remembrance, Equilibrium, and Elation came into existence.

The Aeons of Order and Permanence established the foundational structure of the cosmos, blessing isolated worlds to aid in the hunting of cosmic beasts.

As the Dusk Wars progressed, countless worlds perished. Refusing to allow their civilizations to fade into obscurity, the Aeon of Remembrance was born.

In the latter stages of the Dusk Wars, the last cosmic beast, consumed by its isolation and instinct to devour the universe, ascended to become the Aeon of Voracity.

Voracity's relentless consumption of the cosmos disrupted its balance, leading to the birth of the Aeon of Equilibrium.

Throughout this era, the Aeon of Preservation built walls to protect one world after another from Voracity's insatiable hunger.

As for the Aeon of Nihility? It predates even the Era of Dusk, and no one knows exactly when it came into existence.

The Second Era: The Great Trailblaze Era

In this era, while worlds remained isolated, they could now perceive one another and even hear greetings transmitted across light-years.

The unseen and untouchable nature of these worlds—and the mystery they represented—led to the birth of Trailblaze.

The Aeon of Trailblaze's Astral Express laid down Silver Tracks connecting world after world, enabling them to trade, communicate, and reach one another.

Thus began the universe's first era of prosperity.

During this time, the Aeons of Erudition, Propagation, Abundance, Hunt, and Harmony were born.

The second era of prosperity was also closely tied to the Aeon of Trailblaze.

The Third Era: The Current Era of Great Prosperity

With the Silver Tracks, the universe became interconnected, and civilizations reached their peak of prosperity.

Where there is connection, there is strife; the universe was no exception. Interstellar trade, wars, and countless other events unfolded daily.

The destructive nature of these conflicts between civilizations led to the emergence of the Aeon of Destruction.

As universal observation and understanding reached unprecedented levels, the ability to predict the cosmos's ultimate fate gave rise to the Aeon of Finality.

The above accounts are recorded in the documents of scholars with profound knowledge of the Aeons and the universe.

...

Interastral Peace Corporation

Strategic Investment Department

Several figures flickered faintly within the shadows of heavy curtains, their voices the only things cutting through the dim ambiance.

A mature, lazy female voice broke the silence. "So, the higher-ups are worried that the return of the Aeon of Trailblaze will once again lead countless Nameless across the universe, just like before?"

A lively, youthful female voice responded with a laugh. "While it's true that the Aeon of Trailblaze's return, along with their vast caravan traversing the universe, will disrupt the current balance of power, I think this is also an opportunity for the Corporation."

"Trailblaze is only interested in unknown worlds—and unknown worlds mean untapped business opportunities. Entirely virgin territories for the Corporation."

A young, mocking male voice chimed in. "Heh, for the Corporation, the benefits the Nameless bring far outweigh the drawbacks. Isn't this just a win-win gamble for us?"

A calm, middle-aged voice spoke with authority. "Heh, that's why you're the best and brightest of my Strategic Investment Department.

"The Nameless are neutral travelers for the universe, but for the Corporation, they're natural partners.

"While the Trailblaze group has never wielded actual influence, their reputation far surpasses anything the Corporation could ever achieve. In fact, the Corporation's position as the entity controlling the universe's economic lifeblood is thanks to the Aeon of Trailblaze's Silver Tracks."

A voice that sounded like a child's interjected. "The Director is absolutely right. Unfortunately, other Corporation higher-ups don't see it that way. They think the disruption to the current cosmic order caused by Trailblaze is a greater threat to us."

"But those fossilized old men can only impotently rage. After all, they wouldn't dare face the Aeon of Trailblaze directly."

The calm, middle-aged voice resumed. "If we seize this moment on the crest of the wave, our Strategic Investment Department will rise to unprecedented heights. That's why we must establish contact with the Nameless aboard the Astral Express."

"If we can secure a partnership agreement, all the better."

The mature woman spoke again, her tone cautious. "But rumors say the Aeon of Trailblaze is the most 'approachable' of all the Aeons, living among the Nameless. What should we do if we encounter them directly?"

A long silence followed.

"That… would indeed be a problem."

Even though he, Diamond, was a Emanator of Preservation, he had never confronted Preservation face-to-face, let alone another Aeon.

"No matter what, we must contact the Astral Express. For that reason, we'll leave this to the newest recruit, Topaz."

Topaz froze. "Huh? Me?"

"Any issues? Negotiations are your specialty, after all. That's why we're entrusting this to you. If you succeed, this will be a major achievement to advance your career."

...

Genius Society

Herta Space Station

Herta, who still technically held a position under the Interastral Peace Corporation's affiliated Intelligentsia Guild, had already returned to her 'The Blue' space station after hearing the news of the Aeon of Trailblaze's return.

"The Aeon of Trailblaze has returned," Herta mused, her high heels clicking against the pristine floor. As she walked, researchers bowed respectfully, their gazes filled with fervor, while she headed toward the activation console for her research project, the Simulated Universe.

"A real Aeon, one that appears directly before people—this is an opportunity that cannot be missed."

"In just a few days, it'll be time for the scheduled meeting with Miss Himeko to deliver her commissioned Curio."

"I wonder, will they arrive on time? Will the Aeon of Trailblaze appear as well?"

"For an Aeon, there are far too many questions I need answered."