Lucian, seeing the progress of his meme, was very satisfied with it.
Now, all he needed to do was just wait for Dreamcluck Chicken to spread slowly by itself—there was no need for him to do anything else.
For now, the public was only treating it as a mere meme, but once enough time had passed, they would develop protective feelings for Sunday, willingly defend him on their own initiative, and by extension, defend Penacony—even more disciplined than a formal army.
Given such a favorable outcome, one question remained—why did Lucian not become the mascot of Dreamcluck Chicken himself?
Naturally, it was simply because he had no interest in becoming the subject of constant mockery. Besides, now that he had a capable son like Sunday, it was enough that Sunday alone bore that burden.
Sunday had him as his father—someone who wielded immense influence and was, to some extent, powerful enough that Sunday need not fear anything—and in return, Sunday had to be a top star (sacrifice) as the price.
In Lucian's eyes, that was a fair deal—a win-win situation.
"Father… the power of Harmony in me has gotten stronger..."
In their family residence, Sunday immediately reported to Lucian when he discovered that his power of Harmony had increased significantly.
Lucian, in response, showed no surprise at all, since it had already been within his expectations from the beginning.
Given that Dreamcluck Chicken was imbued with the power of Harmony that came from an Emanator, and that it had spread to so many countless individuals whose minds had become filled with Sunday, it would have been strange if he had not grown stronger, with such an enormous number of minds focused together in unison.
Clearly, this was somewhat similar to the belief power system that existed in some novels, where the more people believed in someone, the stronger that person became.
Besides...
"Well, this is only the beginning—the effects will get better later. It can also grant immunity to other memetic viruses."
Lucian remained completely calm, as though everything unfolding had already been calculated, while in fact this particular insight had only occurred to him moments earlier.
It was because he had suddenly remembered someone: Galaxy Ranger Rappa.
He recalled that because her mind contained the 'ninja' memetic virus, she was not affected by Slumbernana Monkey, so by the same logic, as long as the strength of Dreamcluck Chicken in people's minds was high enough, they would not be affected by any of Dr. Primitive's atavism experiments.
It was, in a sense, 'having the strong support the weak,' which was the same belief of the Harmony.
In other words, without needing to do anything at all, simply having Dreamcluck Chicken in people's minds was already the practice of the Path of Harmony, so how could Sunday not grow stronger?
Sunday, finally understanding, admired Lucian even more, now from the bottom of his heart.
He had originally thought this was merely about solving the problem of Slumbernana Monkey, but in reality, there was a far greater purpose behind it.
In the end, Sunday nodded heavily, determined to shoulder the responsibility as the mascot of Dreamcluck Chicken wholeheartedly. No matter how much the serious and solemn image he had built collapsed, the growth of his power was true and undeniable.
He understood that in this world, only with power could more things be accomplished.
And so, from this day on, Sunday finally accepted his other identity completely.
Lucian, seeing that the meme had become highly popular, did not continue to manage it, leaving it all in Sunday's hands. Once the spark had been lit, all that remained was to wait for it to ferment.
As for things like Slumbernana Monkey and Primon, Lucian had already forgotten them entirely, and the only thing he wanted to know now was what expression Dr. Primitive would wear when he discovered that any of his atavism experiments involving memetic viruses would be blocked by Dreamcluck Chicken.
Unfortunately, Dr. Primitive had been chased into hiding by the Galaxy Rangers, and no one knew where he was.
===
At the same time, in a certain star system three hundred billion light-years away, Celenova and Phantylia, another Lord Ravager, met each other inside an empty hall of a building that appeared to be a church, plotting together.
"The Xianzhou Yaoqing has been far too active recently. I intend to let their foxian general witness Destruction."
Celenova spoke in a cool, indifferent voice.
"Good timing. I plan to go to the Xianzhou Luofu and seize the Ambrosial Arbor. I'll make sure the Xianzhou Alliance remembers Destruction."
Phantylia, a pale woman in a flowing black gown that seemed to melt and coil like a living shadow, with long dark hair spilling down her back and crowned by jagged, horn-like adornments, responded in a lazy voice, her face carrying an alluring smile.
Celenova, upon hearing her response, seemed relieved before responding with a calm nod.
"I will ensure that the Yaoqing is unable to provide support."
"Fufu, I really like working with you, unlike the others who are difficult to deal with," Phantylia said, her smile widening. "Once I take the Ambrosial Arbor, I'll send you one of its fruit, but first, lend me a Stellaron to use."
"Here."
Celenova was generous enough and immediately handed Phantylia a Stellaron without hesitation.
However, just as the Stellaron was handed over, Celenova's body suddenly stiffened, as if she had been struck head-on by an invisible sledgehammer.
"Ugh!"
Celenova clutched her chest in pain, then staggered back a step, her face turning deathly pale in an instant.
Seeing this sudden turn of events, Phantylia froze on the spot.
"What's wrong with you?" Phantylia asked with a frown, looking at Celenova suspiciously. "It's just one Stellaron. Did I take your life savings or something? You're acting as if I killed you. Are you putting on a show?"
Celenova, unfortunately, didn't have the energy to respond to Phantylia's question.
At this moment, Celenova's pupils trembled violently as countless chaotic fragments of memory flashed through her mind one after another.
Izumo...
A kiddie ride...
Aha the Elation...
Finally, everything froze within a boundless darkness...
In that instant, Celenova remembered how a kiddie ride carrying an indescribable power of Elation had slammed straight into her!
"Pffft!"
Celenova suddenly spat out a mouthful of golden blood, and in that instant, her aura withered away.
Anyone could clearly see that she was severely injured.
"Celenova?! Are you serious? Fine, take it back. I don't want your Stellaron anymore."
Phantylia immediately returned the Stellaron with a deep frown, feeling genuinely shocked by what had suddenly happened to her colleague.
Celenova had been fine just a moment ago, so how had she suddenly ended up gravely injured and coughing blood the instant she handed over the Stellaron?
"It was... the Aeon of Elation…"
Celenova, gritting her teeth in pain, spoke with difficulty, barely able to breathe.
"Aeon of Elation? You mean Aha? Wait, where would the Aeon of Elation even come from? What are you talking about all of a sudden?"
Phantylia stepped back, her voice carrying confusion and a trace of wariness.
Celenova, her breathing ragged while fear and disbelief still lingered in her eyes, wiped the golden blood from the corner of her mouth.
Truthfully, she was just as confused as Phantylia.
What exactly was that power that had just attacked her?
It was as if several fragments of hidden or locked memories had suddenly surfaced.
Something about Izumo, about Jarilo-VI, and then she had nearly been rammed to death by Aha riding a kiddie ride.
However, the key point was that now there had been no Aha around—only Phantylia.
How could she have been so severely injured for no reason at all?
Surely Aha would not sneak-attack an Emanator like her?
If an Aeon wanted to sneak-attack someone, they should go after Nanook instead—why bother with a mere Emanator?
No matter how she thought about it, Celenova couldn't find any definite answer, for this phenomenon was far too bizarre for her.
Who could gravely injure an Emanator of Destruction without even showing themselves?
"Sorry, but the plan… is postponed…" Celenova said weakly while clutching her chest. "Let's postpone... until I recover..."
Phantylia silently observed Celenova for a few seconds and confirmed that the injury was indeed genuine and not an act. Even worse, the injury was extremely serious, serious enough that she could kill Celenova with ease right now.
In the end, Phantylia sighed helplessly, then clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Fine..." Phantylia said in agreement, her tone returning to its usual laziness. "In that case, you rest up. You'd better figure out who's messing with you. Once you've recovered, we'll go stir up trouble on the Xianzhou Alliance again. For now, I'll just find some civilization to toy with."
With that, Phantylia turned around, the skirt of her gown swaying, before her figure turned into a mass of flames and dissipated.
Only Celenova remained, looking dazed.
Could it really have been the Aeon of Elation who attacked her just now?
If that were the case, why only her?
Why wasn't Phantylia also severely injured?
===
Penacony, Dreamflux Reef.
Inside a bar, Aventurine leaned back on a comfortable sofa, idly playing with a colorful chip while waiting for the latest intelligence from one of the IPC spies.
*Beep-Beep—*
A few moments later, his encrypted communicator rang.
[Sir!]
A lowered voice came through the communicator—it was a senior commercial spy implanted within The Family in Penacony by the IPC.
[Latest intel. Penacony's regime has already changed in secret—the Dreammaster was actually replaced some time ago.]
"Oh?" Aventurine raised his brows in surprise, his face showing a trace of interest. "Well, well, replaced, huh? Who's the current Dreammaster?"
Hearing this question, the spy's voice grew more urgent as he continued his report.
[Yes, the new Dreammaster is called Lucian!]
Aventurine's fingers, which had been playing with the chip, froze the instant he heard the name, causing the chip to stop in his palm.
"Lucian, you say? Lucian... Lucian..."
He repeated the name until something clicked in his mind.
"Which Lucian? You mean Robin's boyfriend?"
Aventurine had caught news about what happened to Robin in Epsilon and had learned that Lucian had gone to her and won over her heart, which made it no wonder that he was a client valued so highly by Diamond and Jade.
But now, he was being told that Lucian had not only won over Robin, but had also taken over Penacony?
It was somewhat absurd.
It should be noted that the IPC had spent so many Amber Eras failing to settle this place, so on what basis had Lucian succeeded?
[Yes! It's him! I only learned this last night!]
At Aventurine's question, the spy replied in a surprised voice.
[The Family's secrecy is extremely tight, and they are also mercilessly purging those who get caught acting as moles, so I didn't dare to dig any deeper. It seems they plan to announce the new Dreammaster only after the Dreamscape has finished being rebuilt.]
Aventurine raised an eyebrow, then frowned, looking irritated.
He couldn't help it.
Even if he had obtained this intel, it had come far too late, because this place had already become Lucian's domain—the client whom his superior regarded so highly.
Aventurine couldn't help but sigh as he massaged his suddenly throbbing temple, feeling that this matter had become extremely troublesome.
"Understood..." Aventurine said calmly, glancing at his surroundings. "Continue to lie low. Be careful not to get caught."
[Yes, sir!]
As soon as the call with the spy ended, Aventurine immediately dialed another number.
"Boss."
Aventurine decided to go straight to the point.
"Penacony has changed hands—the Dreammaster has been replaced. Lucian is his name, apparently the same major client that Jade is responsible for."
As these words fell, there was silence on the other end for a while before Diamond's steady voice came through.
[Aventurine. My objective is merit, not money.]
[All those old bad debts in Penacony... are far less valuable than someone who can influence Penacony's political direction. Lucian is worth more.]
[He now controls Koolur, Jarilo-VI, the Xianzhou Cangcheng, and now... Penacony as well. He is my greatest support in becoming a board director.]
Diamond paused, then decisively made a decision.
[Forget Penacony's bad debts. Go on my behalf and extend goodwill to him.]
Hearing this, Aventurine understood immediately.
"Understood."
After Aventurine gave his response, Diamond paused for a moment, then his voice came through again, this time carrying a calculating edge.
[Also, send a generous gift. Tell him that we, the IPC, are willing to abandon all historical bad debts of Penacony and will no longer interfere in its affairs.]
[With this, we also express the Strategic Investment Department's goodwill and sincerity for cooperation with him.]
[Lastly, invite him to visit the Strategic Investment Department.]
[Your attitude must be humble. Make it clear how highly we value him.]
Hearing all these over-the-top commands, Aventurine scratched the back of his head in helplessness.
Truth be told, everything else was manageable, but the attitude part was less certain, given that he had just finished making harsh remarks to Sunday when he left Dewlight Pavilion.
"Understood..." Aventurine replied, suppressing a sigh. "I'll make sure the 'sincerity' is delivered well."
[Good. Don't mess it up.]
As Diamond cut the call, Aventurine put down the communicator and leaned back against the sofa, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest.
"Hahh... I seriously got played hard… If I'd known it was Lucian, I should've let Jade handle Penacony's matters..."
===
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