Celenova was singing, carrying within destruction a harmonious lody that spread across this dood star cluster.
Countless Antimatter Legion monsters, newly born from the Warforge, swayed continuously in ti with Celenova's song.
Voidrangers clapped, Tramplers' hooves thundered in waves, and Doomsday Beasts shook their heads rhythmically.
In that mont, the entire apocalyptic star cluster achieved a bizarre harmony—a harmony of destruction—its sound echoing everywhere.
This timbre was a variant of Harmony itself. If it were to fall upon Xipe, the Aeon of Harmony, it would be enough to beco a cancerous fragnt within Their being, delivering a heavy blow—perhaps even becoming the possibility of killing Xipe...
Of course, that mont had not yet arrived. She, Celenova, still needed to spread the harmonious lody of destruction to more galaxies. Only then would Xipe forever fail to realize universal harmony. Likewise...
If Xipe wished to achieve great harmony, They would have to incorporate her—Lord Ravager Celenova—and even the Antimatter Legion, this discordant noise, into Their own composition.
That instant would be the mont when she, the Lord Ravager—Celenova—would strike.
"Ahhh..."
Celenova sang at full voice, her lody rising and falling in pitch. As the tones shifted, the halo above her head flickered with different radiances.
With seven flashes of the halo, the music expanded and resonated outward.
It reached a distant place—a star cluster brimming with life.
In that instant, countless Antimatter Legion monsters ceased their swaying, each opening crimson eyes.
At that mont, the young won crowned with a magnificent halo and exuding a sacred aura raised a finger and pointed toward the land of vitality. Slowly parting her lips, she spoke in a gentle voice:
"Legion... devour them. Bring them the transcendent voice that rises through destruction. Let them beco mbers of the Legion, just like you."
"Kill!"
"Kill! Kill!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
Billions upon billions of Antimatter Legion monsters roared in fury. Using the only intact star rail within this corner of the cosmos, they surged toward that life-filled star cluster.
The Trailblaze of Destruction—the Antimatter Legion—set sail once more.
anwhile, Celenova continued to sing, her chant granting buffs to the Legion, making them ever more terrifying.
Crossing the star rail of Trailblaze and traversing the cosmos, the Voidrangers beca like pawns that had crossed the river—once across, a pawn becos a rook. Instantly, they possessed strength rivaling ordinary Pathstriders, wielding street-level destructive power. One against a thousand was effortless.
Under the song's blessing, the Tramplers could crush mountains beneath their hooves, wielding power on a continental scale.
And the Doomsday Beasts, empowered by the hymn of destruction, truly beca anti-planetary weapons. A single roar—a single blast—could obliterate a moon-sized satellite body.
Thus began the tide of destruction, surging and sweeping across the cosmos.
At the highest echelon of this nuclear-mbrane–like star cluster, the mont they first heard the harmonious lody of destruction, they realized sothing was terribly wrong.
After all, a ssage had long circulated throughout the universe.
When Lord Ravager Celenova sounds the voice of apocalypse, the destructive tide of the Antimatter Legion will follow—and another world will march toward annihilation.
The supre authority of the nuclear-mbrane world did not hesitate. They imdiately requested aid from the Interastral Peace Corporation, seeking protection.
The IPC's response was: "Request denied."
Of course, publicly the IPC would not phrase it so bluntly. Instead, they used more diplomatic wording:
"The nuclear-mbrane world has reported the sounding of a destructive horn. The Interastral Peace Corporation is currently investigating. Once the investigation yields results, corporate support will be dispatched."
"Oh, and if the upper leadership of the nuclear-mbrane world remains concerned, you may purchase the IPC's weapons to prevent unforeseen incidents. Below is the weapons catalog."
Upon receiving the reply, the interstellar emperor of the nuclear-mbrane world wore a face darker than storm clouds. He understood perfectly that the IPC had no intention of providing support.
After all, the nuclear-mbrane world hosted an IPC branch.
Yet the mont the sound of destruction rang out, that branch's personnel had swiftly fled with all their resources.
This ant the IPC had known of the impending catastrophe long in advance. And yet they still claid an investigation was required before dispatching aid.
It was enough to show that the IPC was unwilling to confront a Lord Ravager head-on.
The interstellar emperor burned with fury.
Damn it. Is it because the nuclear-mbrane world is not a major comrcial hub under the IPC's managent—lacking valuable trade resources and a favorable environnt—that they refuse to send troops?
The IPC always proclaid itself the greatest force representing order in the cosmos.
And yet now, they did not even dare to clash with a Lord Ravager of the Antimatter Legion.
After the surge of anger ca mounting despair.
The interstellar emperor could already imagine what would happen after his interstellar civilization was destroyed.
First, the IPC would declare that, according to their investigation, comrce in the nuclear-mbrane world had been operating normally.
Second, they would announce that minor issues had indeed been uncovered—naly, that this interstellar civilization had suffered an Antimatter Legion invasion. However, imdiate action had been inadvisable, as the IPC had not been prepared to wage war against a Lord Ravager.
Third, at a leisurely pace, the IPC would conveniently complete all battle preparations exactly when the nuclear-mbrane world t its end.
Fourth, they would announce publicly that had the interstellar civilization of the nuclear-mbrane world endured just a little longer, corporate reinforcents would have arrived—but now it was too late. The star cluster had already been destroyed. Rescue was impossible.
Even in boundless despair, the interstellar emperor refused to escape. Following the advice of corporate employees, he purchased a series of anti-planets weapons and prepared to resist the destructive tide of Antimatter Legion monsters.
Twenty-four system hours later, all organized military resistance in the nuclear-mbrane world was crushed.
Another twenty-four system hours later, all planets in the nuclear-mbrane world was destroyed.
By the third set of twenty-four system hours, the sun of the capital star system had been extinguished.
On the fourth system day, the Warforge began operating, refining the ravaged remains of planets into fuel for destruction, continuously manufacturing Antimatter Legion monsters.
On the fifth system day, Legion monsters filled the star cluster. The living beings of the nuclear-mbrane world completed their final "ascension," becoming Antimatter Legion monsters.
On the sixth system day, Celenova began to sing again, searching the cosmos for the next world.
On the seventh system day, the Interastral Peace Corporation completed its grand investigation of the nuclear-mbrane world and, through its Interastral Peace Broadcast, issued a public statent:
"The Interastral Peace Corporation received a distress request from an interstellar civilization, reporting that a destructive extermination sound had appeared in the nuclear-mbrane world, suspected to be Lord Ravager Celenova."
"The IPC imdiately launched a comprehensive investigation and assembled all available forces to provide maximum support!"
"However, regrettably, before the IPC's support forces could depart, all life within the nuclear-mbrane world—and even the star of the capital system itself—had already been annihilated under Lord Ravager Celenova."
"To all friends across the cosmos listening to the Interastral Peace Broadcast, let us now observe a mont of silence for the departed lives of the nuclear-mbrane world."
"Furthermore, the Interastral Peace Corporation hereby solemnly announces to all living worlds throughout the cosmos... if the sound of destruction arises within your domain, please contact the IPC as quickly as possible. The IPC will provide every form of support—except direct assistance, unless your attackers threaten one of the IPC's core worlds."
"That concludes today's broadcast. Thank you for listening!"
...
The universe remained restless and chaotic, yet none of it had anything to do with Herman.
At this very mont, using the account information provided by Dahlia, Herman had located Black Swan's account. Her profile picture was a black swan with its head held high—proud and aloof at first glance.
Of course, as a transmigrator, Herman knew that this proud swan, in the ga, had suffered setback after setback—from Acheron to Evernight. Her only victory had co on favorable terrain within the dreamscape, during her battle against Sparkle the anti-fan. Even then, it was possible Sparkle had gone easy upon seeing her idol.
In any case, aside from those humiliations, Black Swan remained a proud mokeeper. Soone like her would never casually accept another's friend request.
Thus, when Herman sent his request, he included a special remark:
"Let us make an exchange—an exchange of mories. I once dread of a ray of light, a crystal chalice. That crystalline glow spoke to , inviting to listen to the prophecy of the stars..."
The mont Herman sent the ssage, his friend request was approved almost instantly.
Black Swan's inquiry followed imdiately:
"Who are you? And why do you know the dream I once had?"
Herman replied, "The prophecy of the stars—it is rely a story written in a book. I have only described to you what was written there."
"A book? Lies. No such book exists in the universe."
"The 83rd Seat of the Genius Society, Herta, does not lie." Herman answered truthfully, silently adding in his heart:
Though I am not Herta—I am Herman.
And the collection of star prophecies ca from my previous life, when I played Honkai: Star Rail. I have rely changed its form—from a ga into a book.
"A genius—Herta? You are a new mber of the Genius Society?" Black Swan typed in astonishnt. "Why are you looking for ? We do not know each other. And this book about the prophecy of the stars—where did you truly find it?"
"From mory," Herman typed swiftly. "Within my mind lie the first and second volus of the prophecy of the stars."
After reading his reply, Black Swan fell into deep contemplation.
Finding the prophecy of the stars within mory... I understand. It must be that Herta, like , experienced a similar dream.
The great Aeon of Rembrance, Fuli—even though They have not yet been born—have still granted both and the genius Herta revelations of the future?
If so, then from the Aeon's perspective, Herta and I walk the sa path?
Or perhaps... we are future allies?
After thinking this through, Black Swan typed quickly:
"Miss Herta, what do you want from ? And allow to repeat my earlier question—how did you obtain my contact information?"
"I will answer your first question," Herman said. "As I stated, I wish to make an exchange—an exchange concerning mories."
"As for how I found you, you may ask your dearest best friend."
Black Swan paused.
"You an... you obtained my information through Dahlia?"
"Precisely."
"Then you must have paid a great price," Black Swan typed with certainty. "I know her temperant. If she sold my account, it ans you increased the offer—gave her a price she could not refuse."
"You are correct," Herman replied. "I offered her the opportunity to travel to The Blue and beco one of my subordinates."
"You should be cautious," Black Swan warned. "Dahlia is adept at betrayal. She betrayed the Garden of Recollection before, abandoned ... and that was not her only betrayal. From what I understand, not long ago she even mingled within the faction of Destruction."
"Now that she has joined you, it ans she has betrayed Destruction as well."
"The relationship between you two best friends is truly fascinating," Herman said lightly. "When she gave your contact information, she described you as arrogant—soone who stares only at the ceiling, thinking highly of herself. Yet now, after speaking with you, you are warning about her betrayals."
"Arrogant? That is utter nonsense!" Black Swan replied firmly. "I am perfectly gentle in my dealings. Staring at the ceiling is pure slander. As for her betrayals—everyone can see them. The Garden of Recollection sent mokeepers to hunt her. That alone proves it."
"Very well, I understand that you two share a deep bond."
"We are not best friends. We are rival-friends."
After reflexively correcting him, Black Swan realized she had been led astray by his wording. Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her tone.
"Miss Herta, let us discuss the specifics of the exchange you propose."
Herman spoke plainly. "I wish to use the Garden of Recollection's Mirror to observe a special world."
Black Swan hesitated. "The Garden of Recollection's Mirror is a supre treasure. It cannot be casually shown to outsiders."
"Do not refuse so quickly," Herman replied. "Listen to what I can offer in return."
He coughed lightly.
"I can allow you to accompany —to record the scenes of my inventions and creations. You would gain the opportunity to transform a genius' innovations into Light Cones."
"In addition, I can permit you to enter that special world and record its scenery."
Black Swan raised an eyebrow.
"Special? How special?"
"From what I understand, that world can currently only be reflected by the Garden of Recollection's Mirror. More importantly, it is a world that even the Trailblaze has not yet reached. It remains sealed. Do you not wish to uncover its mories?"
As she listened, Black Swan's heart stirred.
There was no denying it—Herman's proposal was extraordinarily tempting.
To follow a genius, record her every mont, and forge those mories into Light Cones.
Moreover, Dahlia had already joined her. That ant she would not only harvest mories and witness genius inventions, but also encounter the rival-friend who had sold her information.
And beyond that—she would gain access to a world untouched by the Trailblaze, visible only through the Garden of Recollection's Mirror.
The more she considered it, the more tempted she beca.
At last, she typed her reply:
"Miss Herta, I agree. I will return to the Garden of Recollection and request permission from the Pure Child of Anāsrava to use the Garden of Recollection's Mirror. Please wait."
The mont she sent the ssage, her tic body pierced through countless dinsions, departing the world of reality and arriving at the Garden of Recollection—within the Eden of Blessed Insight.
It was a world suffused with moria, filled with landscapes invisible to mortals—dreamlike scenes of surreal wonder: candy houses, rainbow bridges, dreamlike shore lilies, true golden wheat fields that grew actual gold...
Miracles manifested everywhere within the Eden of Blessed Insight.
Black Swan showed no surprise. She had visited too many tis before.
Her gaze focused instead on the colossal mirror towering like a mountain within the realm.
That was the Garden of Recollection's Mirror.
Now, she only needed to find the Pure Child of Anāsrava—the flawless heir of the Garden of Recollection, a being with the potential to beco Fuli.
Not rely qualified, but one who had advanced deepest along the Path of Rembrance. Among all flawless heirs, she had gone the furthest. She had already completed her self-coronation as an Emanator of Rembrance.
—And she possessed the greatest qualification to complete a second coronation and ascend as the Aeon of Rembrance, Fuli.
Black Swan intended to request permission to use the Garden of Recollection's Mirror.
Her footsteps were swift.
Soon she arrived at the core of the Eden of Blessed Insight—the palace of the Pure Children—and explained her purpose.
Seated upon a throne, a pink-haired woman supporting her head with one hand opened her eyes.
"Black Swan, you say that the newly born genius contacted you and seeks to use the Garden of Recollection's Mirror to reflect that special world?"
"Yes."
The Pure Child's voice carried confusion.
"How does that genius know of that special world?"
Black Swan's beautiful face showed a trace of astonishnt.
"Your Highness ans... the Garden of Recollection had already discovered that unknown world untouched by the Trailblaze?"
"Yes. Many mokeepers have already ventured there—and ultimately fallen."
The Pure Child frowned more deeply before finally waving her hand.
"The mystery of that unknown world indeed requires resolution. Since that genius wishes to research it, let her do so."
"Yes."
Black Swan withdrew at once.
Within the palace, only the pink-haired maiden remained. A murmur escaped her lips—audible only to herself.
"I hope the genius nad Herta can unravel the secrets of Amphoreus. According to the echoes of mory, within that world exists a Pure Child—awaiting retrieval by the Garden of Recollection..."
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