Deep within the sea of stars.
On an unnamed planet.
Inside an otherwise ordinary villa.
The spacious study was filled with antique furniture from civilizations scattered across the universe.
A black cat occupied the cushioned chair beside the desk.
Its fur was remarkably smooth, with faint streams of light occasionally shimmering across its surface.
Golden eyes stared out from above narrow black pupils, giving the cat an almost supernatural presence.
At the moment, however, it looked anything but dignified.
The black cat rolled around on the chair, clawing at the cushions in complete frustration.
“Why is there another variable?”
“Why did it have to appear now?”
“This entire script is useless.”
“Worse, I will have to revise all the scripts that come after it.”
The cat suddenly stopped moving.
“Wait.”
“Why did a single variable create this many possible futures?”
“Which sneaky disaster is doing this to me?”
“I am so done with this.”
The black cat leaped onto the desk.
With one swipe of its paw, it tore the original script from the open book.
A mysterious light appeared within its golden eyes.
Under that radiance, a fountain pen floated above a blank page and began writing at incredible speed.
“No.”
“That will not work.”
“Absolutely not.”
“I would rather not get beaten into the floor.”
“Aaaaaah.”
The black cat tore out another page.
It crushed the paper into a ball and tossed it over its shoulder.
Had Kai witnessed this scene, she would undoubtedly have covered her mouth and commented in the most insincere voice imaginable.
Poor Elio.
His script was ruined, so now he was rolling around and having a complete emotional breakdown.
How tragic.
Someone should definitely laugh at him.
A long time passed before the study became quiet again.
Kafka slowly opened the door.
She looked at the paper balls scattered across the floor, then at Elio sprawled across the chair with the hollow expression of someone who had lost all hope.
“This is exhausting.”
Elio pointed one paw toward the desk.
“The revised script is there.”
“You and Silver Wolf will still carry out this mission.”
Kafka picked up the script and skimmed through it.
Very little appeared to have changed.
That made her slightly curious.
Elio had struggled for so long, yet the final version was almost identical to the original.
Kafka did not question him.
Her task was to follow the script.
Elio was responsible for considering every possible consequence.
Had Elio heard her thoughts, he would have protested immediately.
I would love to warn you.
The problem is that I can barely see anything involving this new variable.
Kafka stored the script and left the study.
She headed toward Silver Wolf’s room.
Along the way, she encountered Blade leaning against a wall with his arms crossed.
“Sorry, Bladie.”
“You are not in this scene either.”
Blade offered a small nod.
Without another word, he turned and returned to his room.
Kafka continued until she reached Silver Wolf’s door.
She knocked lightly.
“Silver Wolf.”
“It is time to leave.”
…
Herta Space Station.
Herta did not dislike Kai.
In fact, she found herself growing rather fond of her.
Their relationship had begun after a confrontation.
No.
That was not quite accurate.
They had become acquainted after one of them stepped on the other.
In the end, Kai had not truly caused any harm.
She had only wanted Herta’s attention and an excuse to become physically affectionate with her.
Every missing puppet had been returned in perfect condition.
Their surfaces were even cleaner and smoother than before.
Kai had apparently performed maintenance on them while they were in her possession.
Strangely enough, she had treated them rather well.
Of course, Herta had practical reasons for accepting Kai as a friend.
Maintaining a positive relationship with another Emanator could provide tremendous benefits for her research into the Simulated Universe.
Compared with an ordinary Pathstrider, an Emanator had a much greater chance of drawing an Aeon’s attention.
Countless people walked each Path.
Emanators were exceptionally rare.
To an Aeon, an ordinary Pathstrider might resemble a tiny spark.
An Emanator was closer to a blazing star.
There was no meaningful comparison between them.
Herta wanted to uncover the secrets of the Aeons.
Ignoring an Emanator who had voluntarily appeared at her doorstep would have been absurd.
There was also another reason.
Kai was almost unfairly charming.
She might even have been as adorable as Herta herself had been when she was younger.
Almost.
As long as Kai did not cross any serious boundaries, it was difficult to remain angry with her.
It would be even better if she abandoned some of her stranger interests.
Herta remembered the sensation of placing her foot against Kai’s cheek.
Heat immediately returned to her face.
Fortunately, Kai was busy charming.
No.
Befriending Asta.
Kai did not notice Herta’s expression, allowing her to quickly regain her composure.
After listening to their conversation, Herta realized that Asta had already been deceived by Kai’s harmless appearance.
Herta briefly considered warning her.
Then she changed her mind.
If Kai focused her attention on Asta, she would have less time to bother Herta.
Kai would probably only ask for hugs and attention.
She was unlikely to actually hurt Asta.
Herta was willing to remain friends with Kai.
That did not mean she wanted Kai asking to be stepped on every other day.
That was simply too strange.
Sorry, Asta.
Herta ultimately entrusted Kai to Asta and asked her to take good care of this supposed old friend.
Herta then claimed that she needed to recalibrate the Simulated Universe and locked herself inside her office.
It was not entirely an excuse.
She genuinely wanted to improve the Simulated Universe.
She had delayed further testing because she lacked a suitable participant.
Now that Kai had appeared, the project could finally move forward.
The only remaining question was how to convince Kai to help.
Herta supposed she could simply ask.
If that failed, she might have to indulge one of Kai’s ridiculous requests again.
Only once.
Perhaps.
After leaving Herta’s office, Asta began showing Kai around the space station.
Kai already knew the station remarkably well.
However, spending time with Asta was an excellent way to strengthen their new friendship.
Kai, therefore, pretended to know nothing and asked question after question.
Asta believed Kai was an honored guest and a longtime friend of Herta.
Determined to provide a proper welcome, she patiently answered every question.
Eventually, Asta brought Kai to her office.
The office is connected to a private observation deck.
A large telescope stood beneath the transparent dome.
Even Kai, who understood very little about astronomical equipment, could tell that it must have cost a staggering number of credits.
As expected of the IPC’s wealthiest heiress.
Rich best friend.
Kai was hungry.
Please provide food and financial security.
Asta led Kai onto the observation deck.
Together, they looked out at the endless stars beyond the station.
“When I am not busy, I like to come here and observe the universe.”
Asta rested one hand against the telescope.
“I have always wanted to witness the splitting of a stellar nursery with my own eyes.”
“I have searched for years, but I have never succeeded.”
“I wonder when I will finally get the chance.”
Disappointment filled her voice.
Kai could tell that this dream meant a great deal to her.
An idea immediately appeared in Kai’s mind.
If Kai fulfilled Asta’s dream, Asta would certainly be overwhelmed with gratitude.
Then Kai could secure her position as the favorite friend of the wealthiest woman on the station.
A perfect plan.
Kai smiled.
She stepped closer and gently took Asta’s hand.
Before Asta could react, both of them slowly rose from the observation deck.
Asta’s eyes widened.
The sensation of floating without any support made her instinctively tighten her grip on Kai’s hand.
“Kai.”
“What are you doing?”
“I am giving you a welcome gift.”
Kai offered her a reassuring smile.
“Do not worry.”
“I promise you will remember today for the rest of your life.”
Kai did not explain anything else.
She merely gave Asta a playful wink.
Asta considered Kai’s words and looked down at the station shrinking beneath them.
A bold possibility entered her mind.
No.
Surely Kai was not planning that.
Was she.
◉◉◉◉◉
Save to library!