"How did it feel?"
"…It's not really suitable for me."
After experiencing the Simulated Universe once, Ningguang could only say—
There would not be a second time.
Although she had learned many things inside it,
Facing endless swarms of insects, rampaging mechanical armies, and those terrifying Aeons—
She felt that such experiences should not happen again.
She didn't regret trying it once.
But next time—
She definitely would not come again.
"So it really requires someone with a stronger heart?"
After reviewing Ningguang's test results, Su Ran sighed.
Perhaps only that Trailblazer would truly be suitable.
After all—
"Newly formed in human shape, barely understanding humanity."
So having stronger adaptability would make sense.
"I don't really understand your way of thinking. But by conducting experiments like this, can you truly discover the secret behind the birth of the Aeons?"
Inside the Simulated Universe, Ningguang had met several geniuses.
Including someone named Screwllum.
That person had a refined and gentlemanly demeanor.
Among them, he was the one who seemed most human-like.
But Ningguang still gave up the idea of building a closer relationship with him.
The reason was simple—
The Mechanical Emperor identity left too deep an impression on her.
Screwllum was a mechanical lifeform, and even more so the king of the mechanical civilization.
She was honestly afraid.
Especially a machine that understood human nature so thoroughly.
"I don't know."
Su Ran obviously didn't know whether this method could truly uncover the truth.
After all, in the game this was merely an activity dungeon that rewarded players with Stellar Jades.
Even though it did reveal quite a few stories about the Aeons,
Most of it only allowed people to learn their legends.
Whether it could truly uncover their secrets—
That was uncertain.
"If you don't know, then why are you still participating in these experiments with them?"
This was an experiment with no guaranteed return.
Was it really worth investing so much effort?
Ningguang couldn't understand Su Ran's reasoning.
Or perhaps—
This was simply a way for them to maintain their relationships?
"Just playing along with them. Besides, the real protagonist hasn't appeared yet."
In fact, Ningguang's guess wasn't entirely wrong.
Participating in the development of the Simulated Universe was indeed a way to maintain connections.
Though the actual benefit was minimal.
Screwllum was a respectable genius.
Becoming friends with him wasn't difficult.
Herta already had a good relationship with Su Ran— there was no need for the Simulated Universe to maintain that.
As for Ruan Mei—
Normally speaking, Su Ran didn't need to maintain relations with her.
Instead, it was Ruan Mei who needed to maintain and strengthen her relationship with him.
So for Su Ran—
The Simulated Universe was basically just entertainment.
"The real protagonist?"
Ningguang didn't understand.
What did he mean by the real protagonist?
Did this world actually require some kind of "main character" to push the story forward?
"That's right. Someone newly formed in human shape, barely understanding humanity. I know what they look like, but whether they're male or female… I'm not sure."
Of course—
If Su Ran could influence it,
He would definitely choose Stelle.
Not Caelus.
Because he felt Stelle would probably be far more chaotic and outrageous.
Caelus felt a bit too restrained.
"Is that person important?"
"Not important. But very interesting."
Even without Stelle or Caelus, The universe would continue turning.
But it would definitely lose a lot of fun.
So Su Ran actually hoped they would appear.
Though personally—
He preferred her.
"Alright. Even if the Simulated Universe isn't suitable for you, tell me about your gains from this experience."
Talking further about the future was meaningless.
After all—
The Trailblazer hadn't even been born yet.
"The gains were quite good. I now understand this universe much more… though I must say, it's truly a world full of dangers."
There were the Abominations of Abundance, the terrifying Antimatter Legion, and also the dreadful Swarm.
A few days ago, when she saw the swarm surrounding the space station,
She didn't feel much.
But now that she understood their history—
She realized just how terrifying they were.
Across the universe, two-thirds of habitable regions had once been affected by them.
That scale far surpassed the Archon War.
A single planet destroyed by the swarm could easily contain a larger living area than all of Teyvat.
"Don't worry. Teyvat is different from other civilizations. We haven't exposed ourselves to the sight of other civilizations."
So for now—
Even forces of destruction wouldn't notice this region.
And if they eventually controlled the main interstellar travel routes, Teyvat would become even safer.
Because although the world would no longer be isolated,
No one would be able to locate its coordinates.
"It's just that Teyvat is currently so backward…"
When she was in Liyue, Ningguang never felt anything wrong.
Although the technology levels of the Seven Nations differed,
There was no overwhelming technological dominance.
Every nation had its own Archon, and life was relatively stable.
The Seven Archons maintained the balance of order.
But in the wider universe—
No one talked about peaceful coexistence.
The strong devoured the weak.
That was the norm.
At this moment, Ningguang suddenly realized—
Teyvat was actually surprisingly harmonious.
Even the Fatui mostly operated in secret.
They rarely acted openly.
Except for that guy Childe.
"..."
Originally Ningguang wanted to ask why Su Ran didn't try to guide Teyvat's civilization forward—
Just like Silkark once did for another civilization.
But after thinking carefully—
He wasn't the ruler of all Teyvat.
The Seven Nations each had their own beliefs.
And currently,
The only nations Su Ran could truly control were probably Inazuma and Snezhnaya.
He had no reason to help the others develop.
Ningguang wasn't naive like Keqing.
She considered costs and benefits.
If developing all of Teyvat together didn't serve their interests—
Even she wouldn't support it.
Let alone Su Ran.
For now—
Liyue's only path forward was to follow Su Ran closely.
Fortunately,
Keqing had already recognized reality.
And now—
She had also chosen to stand on Su Ran's side.
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