Xuanquan spoke with remarkable generosity.
She carried herself as if anything desired was within reach. However, it was unclear in what capacity she was making such promises.
'Georios' shifted her gaze toward Yao Guang, who had remained silent since the initial greetings.
White hair, a tall stature, and eyes that held the quiet confidence of someone in total control.
Bai Ming had heard that General Yao Guang of the Yuque was an expert in divination; according to Jing Yuan, she was even Fu Xuan's senior disciple.
Though they hailed from the same master, Yao Guang had become a General while Fu Xuan remained the Master Diviner of the Divination Commission.
Of course, part of that was Fu Xuan's relative lack of political cunning, and the other part was Jing Yuan's own unwavering stability.
As long as Jing Yuan showed no signs of stepping down, Fu Xuan had little chance of ascending to the position of General.
Noticing 'Georios' looking over, Yao Guang spoke with a smile:
"Aside from the tokens of the Seven Arbiter-Generals, I suspect that even if you asked for an entire Xianzhou ship, the Alliance would likely build one just for you."
Even Yao Guang was saying this?
Yao Guang wasn't of the Vidyadhara; her stance was purely that of a Xianzhou General. If even she was saying it, then it was likely true.
With that in mind, 'Georios' spoke up:
"And what if I wanted an Abundance Plaguemark?"
The question caught Xuanquan off guard, but Yao Guang seemed to have anticipated it.
Was there anything on the Xianzhou that could truly attract an entity like her?
In Yao Guang's view, the Xianzhou could hardly satisfy the desires of an Aeon.
However, considering the guest's penchant for research, perhaps the creations of the Reignbow held by the Seven Generals were an option—otherwise, the only things left were the horrors suppressed by the Vidyadhara High Elders.
Xuanquan hesitated for a moment before asking:
"May I ask, Madam Bai Ming, what use you would have for it?"
While Xuanquan didn't believe the other party would use it for ill intent, she still had to follow protocol.
"For research purposes."
"Since this concerns the Alliance, please allow me to consult with them first."
'Georios' nodded. She didn't strictly need those relics; to put it bluntly, they were useless for anything other than study.
Once she fully deciphered the "Permanence Equation" regarding the tendencies of Abundance, the items would be worthless to her.
She had asked for them directly rather than just asking to "study" them because she knew there had to be some back-and-forth haggling.
As for what she'd do if the Alliance actually agreed? She doubted it would come to that.
Severing the Ambrosial Arbor was one thing, but letting her pack up and carry away suppressed relics was an entirely different matter.
"So, what brings the Yuque General all this way specifically?"
The Xianzhou Alliance ships were scattered, making travel between them inconvenient—not to mention that Amphoreus was quite a remote place itself. Coming all this way was no small feat.
Upon hearing this, Yao Guang offered a polite, composed bow:
"I have long admired the name of the Arbiter of Myriad Distinctions, and I came today specifically to pay my respects. If Madam Bai Ming finds herself free another day, please visit the Yuque. I, Yao Guang, would be honored to host you personally."
"Just to visit?"
'Georios' squinted at Yao Guang with a playful smile.
"I hope Madam Bai Ming won't find it laughable, but I previously performed a divination for the Yuque. The omens indicated that my future, and the future of the Yuque, would be intertwined with the Arbiter of Myriad Distinctions. That is why I took the liberty of accompanying General Xuanquan here."
Intertwined with her?
'Georios' blinked. She wasn't even familiar with the Yuque. How could there be a connection? And besides...
"You can actually divine the path of an Aeon?"
"No, no, you misunderstand. I only vaguely sensed a connection to you. Beyond that, there was not a single shred of information."
"That's still quite impressive."
'Georios' suspected someone might be pulling strings from the shadows, but she couldn't exactly say that to Yao Guang's face.
She would have to investigate later. For now, the priority was analyzing the Permanence Equation. Power held in one's own hands was the only true foundation.
"Since the omens were so vague, what did you plan to do after meeting me?" 'Georios' looked at Yao Guang with genuine interest.
This General had never appeared in the game back then, or at least, she hadn't appeared before she transmigrated.
Of course, according to the records in this world, while she appeared beautiful and elegant, she was actually a bit of a "madman" in her own right.
"Hmm... to be honest, I haven't decided yet."
Yao Guang didn't hide it, directly telling 'Georios' she was short on ideas.
After all, the divinations were chaotic, and there wasn't an immediate crisis. Most importantly, 'Georios' hadn't planned on doing anything lately, leaving Yao Guang with no point of entry.
"If I had to say, I suppose my goal is simply to stay on your good side."
Yao Guang's bluntness left 'Georios' unsure of how to respond. Who tries to make friends this overtly?
"Speaking of which, you often borrow the appearance and abilities of others. I wonder if I might be lucky enough to be chosen once?"
Yao Guang was curious.
Mostly because 'Georios' had previously summoned something very similar to the Lightning Lord.
Considering the Xianzhou's records on her... if she ever took on Yao Guang's form, wouldn't that mean another "Spiritus" would appear?
Yao Guang wondered what kind of entity would be seen if the Aeon-driven version of the Kālacakra Skyplume was unleashed.
Facing Yao Guang's inquisitive gaze, 'Georios' chuckled and shook her head:
"The forms I use are chosen at random. I couldn't say when—if ever—your wish might be granted."
"Is it all random?"
Yao Guang thought she had prepared herself for the Arbiter's unpredictability, but she hadn't expected the choice of form to be a literal coin toss. Truly, she was someone chosen by Aha.
Though the two Generals had come in person, they didn't intend to linger for long. After settling several matters with 'Georios', they began their return journey.
Meanwhile, 'Georios' received a message from Acheron.
--+--
[Acheron: Are you free?]
[Nameless: Yes. What's up?]
[Acheron: I'm sorry. The world you gave me... it accidentally became tainted by IX.]
[Nameless: I'm on my way.]
--+--
For some reason, seeing Acheron's apology made 'Georios' feel a pang of unease. After replying, she actively reached out to Nihility, letting her consciousness sink toward the boundaries of that void.
Soon, 'Georios' opened her eyes and found Acheron, who had also just returned. Acheron noticed her arrival immediately. With a single step, 'Georios' was at her side.
Before she could even speak, she saw Acheron's eyes downcast, her mood visibly dampened. Acheron held out her hand; in her palm was the gift Bai Ming had given her last time.
Now, the gift was stained with a grayish-black streak of Nihility. It was an eyesore.
The Nihility itself had been suppressed—nearly purged—but the part that had been eroded left a glaring, hollow gap.
"I'm sorry. I got a little too lost in it, lost track of time, and it caught the Nihility... It was such an important gift from you, yet I nearly ruined it."
'Georios' didn't understand why Acheron would wear such an expression or why she felt the need to apologize so deeply. All she knew was that seeing Acheron this dejected and self-reproaching made her unhappy too.
So, she reached out and took Acheron's hand, cradling it in her own. Warmth flowed from her palm to Acheron's cold skin as 'Georios' effortlessly reconstructed the missing parts.
"I'm the one who should apologize, Acheron. I promised to stay with you, but I've been wandering around outside this whole time."
"..."
Acheron remained silent, her head still bowed. 'Georios' reached up, cupping Acheron's cheeks and forcing her to look into her eyes.
"Take back your apology, okay? I don't want to hear you say 'sorry' for something like this."
Forced to look up, Acheron met 'Georios' eyes.
They were as gentle as ever, but this time, they held a trace of sternness. Acheron was surprised; she didn't understand why the one who failed to cherish the gift wasn't the one being scolded.
Looking into those serious, almost willful eyes, something stirred in Acheron's heart.
At that moment, 'Georios' suddenly released a massive surge of Elation—nearly reaching the limit of what she could currently control.
The sheer power erupted, the gust of wind whipping their long hair about and spreading toward the horizon, briefly creating a garden in the middle of this desolate void.
Quickly, she gathered the energy back and poured it all into the small world in Acheron's hand.
The power of Elation formed a thick layer of protection, stamped with the unique mark of the Arbiter of Myriad Distinctions.
Now, she would be able to sense the state of this little world at any time. A situation like today's would never happen again.
"Knowing you were here and not setting up enough protection was my mistake. I've fixed it now. You won't have to worry about time slipping away and the Nihility creeping in anymore."
"...I see. Thank you."
Acheron was quiet for a moment before offering a soft thanks.
She quickly realized she was still being held by the face, and in a rare sight, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
She tried to pull away, but 'Georios' glared at her with a mock-serious "Hmm?"
Acheron knew what she wanted.
She didn't want Acheron to blame herself, nor did she want her to have any reservations about using the gift in the future.
So, caught between "losing her dignity as the older sister figure" and "stubbornly arguing," Acheron chose the former.
Acheron was fundamentally a gentle person.
In the past, she felt 'Georios' needed looking after, so she had naturally stepped into the role of the mature one. But now, it seemed she was the one being looked after.
This young girl had reached a height that was almost beyond her reach.
"...Fine. I take back my apology."
"There we go. That's more like it."
'Georios' let go of Acheron's face, satisfied.
She hadn't thought much of it in the moment; she just wanted to stop Acheron from feeling guilty.
This woman had suffered a lifetime for a nebulous, distant goal. Bai Ming wanted her to at least be able to rest without any burdens.
She had been a bit forceful in her haste.
But now that she'd calmed down... the gesture felt a little too intimate and assertive.
--+--
T/N: If you want advance chapters, you can find it at [email protected]/AspenTL