Soon, the train arrived at a new planet.
The Nameless gathered together in small groups.
Those who stayed behind on the train also appeared here. They had come to see off the Nameless who were about to depart.
Akivili spotted Zero at a glance.
There was a faint trace of fatigue on the other's face.
The Aeon hesitated several times, but said nothing. Leading the group of Nameless, They stepped onto the new journey.
They vaguely sensed something was wrong.
After the efforts of Themself, Zandar, Guanliang, and others, Their friend's condition had clearly improved.
Akivili never expected that Aha would interfere, making Their friend's already not-very-optimistic mental state become even worse.
The Aeon knew clearly that if They did not keep a closer eye on him, Zero might run into trouble at any moment.
So, when the Nameless were forming groups, They did not hesitate to choose the same group as Zero.
One god and one human arrived at the harbor. They roughly looked at the ships coming and going, then chatted with the sailors staying by the shore for a while.
They roughly understood the situation of the natives.
Due to the limits of technological development, most people had extremely limited knowledge. They devoutly believed in gods.
The status of clergy rose along with it. Whether commoners or nobles, everyone treated their words as absolute truth.
Overall, this was a planet with backward technology, where nations could only strengthen themselves through manpower.
Here, population was especially important. In order to better manage resources, the rulers introduced slavery.
Akivili subconsciously looked at Zero and saw that he had no expression on his face.
Seeing this, the Aeon quickly ended the conversation and pulled the person beside Them toward a quieter street.
They whispered, "What's wrong? Didn't you sleep well?"
Zero shook his head. "I suddenly realized that trimming potted plants isn't an easy task either."
Akivili understood.
Their friend had not answered the question.
The truth was that he probably did not sleep at all and spent the entire night trimming plants.
Just as They were thinking about this, Zero suddenly said, "This time, we might once again..."
Akivili predicted what was coming and immediately interrupted before he could finish.
"Friend, you're overthinking it. How could that happen?"
Zero quietly looked at the Aeon and could not help but sigh.
"Clergy, and visitors from beyond the sky… in their eyes, who do you think looks more like a messenger of the gods?"
Any existence that threatened those in power would probably only be put on the gallows.
Akivili, "..."
The Aeon understood, but did not want to understand, so They immediately changed the topic.
They cautiously asked Zero whether, after the journey ended, the Xianzhou should take over this planet.
Zero's face showed no expression as he refused without hesitation.
Akivili opened Their mouth but said nothing more.
They thought, 'This is bad.'
Of course the Aeon knew Their friend would not casually allow a planet to join the Xianzhou.
But the attitude he showed when hearing about slavery made Akivili extremely worried.
It looked as if Their friend had lost interest in everything in the world.
Not just slavery… even news about the Xianzhou might not be enough to lift his spirits.
Akivili then remembered the agreement between Them and Zero.
After this "Trailblaze" ended, They would go to Xuling together.
Akivili could not contact Guanliang and guessed that he had probably already handed in his jade communicator and was now under the supervision of the Ten Lords Commission.
The only helper the Aeon could think of was Lan, the Aeon of the Hunt.
'Then it's decided, Lan!'
Akivili and Zero visited several more places. After organizing the information, one god and one human returned the way they came and reunited with the other Nameless.
Some brought back information, some led them to a newly found place to stay, and some bought food from nearby natives.
The living conditions were poor. Two people had to squeeze into the same room.
When food was being handed out, Zero had no appetite, but he still did not refuse his companions' kindness.
He accepted the bread, hard enough to smash cucumbers with, and squatted together with everyone on the only open ground in front of the residence.
As for why they were squatting… their room could not even gather three chairs.
Zero patiently listened to them exchange information and make plans.
After everyone returned to their rooms, Akivili and Zero picked up their communication devices at the same time.
The Aeon carefully glanced at the person beside Them. After confirming that the other was checking his jade communicator, They finally relaxed.
Akivili opened Lan's chat.
[Lan, where are you now? Do you have time?]
Lan quickly replied.
[I'm in Xuling]
Akivili widened Their eyes.
[What a coincidence! After some time, I'll go to Xuling with my friend. Don't run around, okay!]
[Okay]
The Aeon put away the device. When They looked up again, Their friend was tapping on the screen.
Akivili guessed he was dealing with official work again.
So They moved quietly and waited silently.
While waiting, They saw Zero frown tightly and impatiently click his tongue.
Akivili asked awkwardly, "What… happened?"
"Nothing. I'm going out for a bit."
After saying that, Zero grabbed the vibrating jade communicator and pushed the door open to leave.
The house had terrible soundproofing, so he walked out of the alley and found a remote corner with no people before answering the voice call.
On the other side was Zandar.
After coming up with the two plans of starting the engine or ending the cycle, Zero began contacting Zandar.
But unexpectedly, he only asked a question related to blood, and the other party's attitude suddenly changed. His tone became strange, and he said something about tragic heroes already being outdated.
This made Zero suspicious.
He suspected Zandar might know the truth.
But… this scholar's mind was far superior to his own.
Any problem Zero could think of, Zandar would only think about more and more comprehensively.
For example, whether his flesh and blood could become nourishment for the Imaginary Tree.
Or whether sacrificing a "higher-dimensional intruder" could allow dimensional ascension.
Zero did not know the details.
But if his flesh and blood truly benefited the low-dimensional world… if he did not have the system, he probably would have been killed hundreds or thousands of times by the Aeons already.
If that were true, then he and the Aeons were destined to be enemies forever.
Then what about Zandar? These questions must be easy for this scholar to answer.
Looking at the result, Zandar did not want him to use his own flesh and blood.
This scholar seemed to value him very much.
However, separated by countless cycles, Zero could not confirm the other party's true thoughts, nor could he place his trust.
Facing Aeons who could easily kill him, Zandar could not show even a trace of genuine feeling toward Zero.
Even though they had once been teacher and student, and Zandar had once been his guide…
At this moment, they could only greet each other politely and distantly.
On the other end of the communicator, Zandar's voice was very soft.
"Eric…"
He only called his name once, then began scolding people loudly and vigorously without using a single curse word.
The one being scolded was not Zero, but the tragic hero Zandar despised.
"That was a hero who should never have come to this kingdom."
"He was fifteen or sixteen years old. Kind, pure, clearly a child raised in peaceful times. He had the normal sense of morality that ordinary people possess. He grew up in love and never lacked love, so he never hesitated to give his love."
Zero thought that when he came to the low-dimensional world, he was also fifteen or sixteen.
He had parents who loved him.
He was a child who grew up in love.
Zandar paused, then continued.
"He was special, different from everyone in that kingdom, so he was a god."
"The only difference was that he was a god with humanity."
"When he discovered that sacrificing himself could increase the chance of saving the world, what choice do you think he would make?"
Without waiting for Zero to answer, Zandar continued speaking on his own.
"I know this type of story too well."
"The people are foolish to the extreme, led around by villains, making the hero who protects them suffer endless cold looks."
"But in the end? They still accept the hero's protection without shame, greedily sucking blood from him."
Zandar sneered.
"When the truth is revealed, these fools then turn their anger toward the villain."
"This kind of story… is truly disgusting."
Zero half closed his eyes and replied, "He doesn't care. To him, he just did what he could."
Zandar asked back, "Does having the ability mean he must do it?"
"Is standing by and doing nothing also evil?"
"Is inaction also a crime?"
The scholar seemed to lose interest in continuing the conversation and quickly ended the topic.
"That's enough. Let's stop talking."
"If that cliche story happens again… I'm not sure what I might do."
Zero understood the hidden meaning.
He thought, protecting the universe is really difficult.
Not only did he have to endure nearly five thousand rounds of senior year, he also had to stop the other party from starting the engine and reversing time after his death.
Zero chuckled lightly and joked.
"Is this the 'Father of Aeons' bedtime story?"
"'Father of Aeons'? What an unpleasant title." Zandar snorted lightly. "I would rather have my disappointing student bring fame to my name across the sea of stars."
Zero's expression shifted slightly. His tone softened as he quietly said goodbye.
Compared to being called the "Father of Aeons," Zandar would rather become famous as his teacher.
Unfortunately, in this life… no, to be precise, he had no next life.
Zandar's wish was destined never to be realized.
Zero could not help but think that compared to protecting the universe, leading it to its end seemed much easier.
He still had to find a way to protect Zandar from the Aeons.
Zero thought again and again but still found no solution.
Soon after, the group of them was wanted.
Then the people who resisted the clergy gathered together.
During this time, Zero and Akivili nearly fell out.
Zero did not think he had done anything wrong. He had just happened to meet a doctor, chatted with him, and asked a few questions.
For example, how much blood the human body needed to maintain its functions.
This was obviously the most basic medical knowledge, yet Akivili became angry.
The Aeon was furious, grabbing his collar with both hands and demanding, "If you needed to use your subordinate's flesh and blood to extend your life, would you do it?"
Zero, "..."
He wouldn't.
It seemed he could not send it to Mati. Sending it to Guanliang would be better.
Akivili realized They had spoken improperly. They released Zero's collar and said coldly,
"If you keep acting like this, I'll knock you out and drag you back to the Xianzhou!"
Zero thought for a long time and finally came up with a way to break the situation.
Sincerity is the ultimate move.
With a serious face, he said, "Akivili, you're my only friend."
Akivili, "..."
The Aeon still maintained an unhappy expression and turned Their face away.
They thought, 'I really deserve to die!'
The conflict between one god and one human ended there.
In the end, justice defeated evil.
The Nameless and the people happily held a celebration banquet.
Zero finally made up his mind.
Since Zandar could easily break into the Xianzhou system…
Then he would grant Zandar permission to use the "Aether Phase Engine," and other weapons.
He would gamble once.
Betting on the old relationship between him and Zandar.
While thinking this, Akivili came over and handed him a cup of wine.
The people surrounded the Nameless and enthusiastically introduced the wine they were proud of.
But with their brewing techniques, the drinks they made could not really be considered fine wine in the eyes of the well-traveled Nameless.
Still, none of them pointed it out and accepted their kindness.
For this barren and backward land, the people had already offered their most precious treasure.
After everyone returned to the Astral Express, Zero immediately went to Pam. After coaxing and tricking for quite a while, he finally got Pam to sign the equity transfer agreement.
He skillfully dodged Pam's headbutt, then turned to find Akivili.
One god and one human left the Nameless for the time being and arrived at the Xianzhou Xuling.
Zero had not told anyone about this trip.
Using his highest authority, he deleted the entry records of both himself and Akivili. Finally, they arrived at the entrance of a certain realm within Xuling.
Zero paused and said, "Sorry, Akivili. Can you wait for me a moment?"
Akivili understood.
Most likely it was an internal secret of the Xianzhou.
The Aeon nodded and waved goodbye to Their friend.
They looked around and saw a teahouse where someone was standing on stage telling a story.
Akivili walked toward the teahouse while taking out Their communicator.
They spotted a familiar figure and quickly jogged over to greet him.
"What a coincidence. I was just about to message you."
Lan nodded slightly, picked up the teapot, and poured Akivili a cup of hot tea. The two Aeons said nothing more and quietly listened.
The storyteller on stage spoke with rising and falling tones, telling the story of the "Reignbow Arbiter" clearing out Abominations of Abundance across the sea of stars.
The audience listened attentively and occasionally praised a few lines.
Just when the Reignbow Arbiter in the story drew his bow, the storyteller suddenly changed tone and said, "If you want to know what happens next, please listen next time."
At that moment, Lan, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly said, "Earlier they weren't talking about the Aeon of the Hunt."
Hearing this, everyone glared angrily.
How dare someone in the Xianzhou call the Reignbow Arbiter the "Aeon of the Hunt"! Even if you're from somewhere else, that's extremely rude! Are you worth fifty thousand patrol tokens or something?
"Hey, you young man..." The storyteller wanted to curse but stopped himself, picking up his folding fan and saying angrily, "Then tell me, what were we talking about earlier?"
Lan had no answer.
Since His birth, the one people praised had always been the one who erased His achievements.
Akivili looked embarrassed and quickly stood up, speaking kindly to calm the crowd.
When They returned to the seat, Their friend had just come back.
However… judging from his expression, he did not seem happy.
Akivili sat down silently.
Lan picked up the teapot again and poured another cup of tea.
After the two gods and one human sat in silence for a while, Lan placed the cup beside Zero's hand and took the initiative to break the silence.
"Do you still remember the contract between you and me? As long as you need it, I will do it."
"Really?" Zero chuckled lightly and said in a casual tone, "Then kill me..."
He raised his eyes and looked at Lan, saying word by word, "Can you do that?"
Lan's face, which had never shown emotion before, collapsed instantly.
A guest at the next table slammed the table and shouted toward the door, "Cloud Knights, over here, over here..."
"Everyone should respectfully call him the Reignbow Arbiter! But this person? So disrespectful!"
"He must be a walking fifty-thousand patrol token reward!"
Two gods and one human, "..."