"Of course. The materials are right here—I've sent them to you by message," Herta said, seeing no issue. She took out her phone and sent him the documentation on the "Simulated Universe."
This was an information brief used to recruit test participants, detailing exactly how the Simulated Universe was to be tested.
The "Simulated Universe" was a reconstruction of the real universe created by several geniuses in the form of code.
Put simply, it was a virtual world—but the physical laws, logical relationships, life data, and everything used to construct this virtual world were one hundred percent simulations of reality.
That included Aeons.
The Simulated Universe was a simulation system designed to study the mysteries of Aeons—virtual Aeons constructed from massive amounts of known information.
While it was impossible for them to be a perfect match to reality, based on the characteristics of their respective Paths, their behavioral logic could largely be simulated.
Testers would then be arranged to enter the Simulated Universe much like entering a virtual game. During the process, they would be guided to perform actions that could attract the attention of Aeons.
For example: obtaining Blessings, practicing a Path, and delving deeper and deeper into a particular Path.
There was a certain probability of drawing an Aeon's attention in the process.
Once an Aeon appeared, their concrete reactions could be observed and used for research.
Don't be fooled by how simple it sounded—just "building a virtual world." This Simulated Universe project had consumed resources worth an entire planet.
Not to mention the involvement of three geniuses… uh, according to the materials, it seemed to be four, with another genius named Stephen.
He just didn't appear to be here.
Nolan skimmed through the materials sent via message and found that testing the Simulated Universe really was quite similar to playing a game.
According to the testing process outlined above, it roughly went like this:
Log into the Simulated Universe → create a virtual body and randomly appear somewhere in the universe → battle different types of enemies → defeat enemies to obtain Path Blessings → repeat the cycle to gain more Blessings → go deeper and deeper along a Path → gain the gaze of an Aeon.
Defeating enemies… Nolan pondered thoughtfully. Would these data-constructed enemies grant Adventure EXP?
According to the principle behind gaining Adventure EXP, as long as the opponent possessed "life experience," there was a high probability of receiving EXP.
So-called "life experience" was something every living being possessed. As long as one was alive, their experience accumulated day by day.
In that case, those virtual enemies—so long as they weren't spawned and immediately killed, but instead lived for a period of time like normal simulated organisms—should also possess "life experience."
If so, then defeating them should likewise grant Adventure EXP.
Whether it would actually work still had to be tested to know for sure. With that thought, Nolan nodded and agreed to help Herta test the Simulated Universe.
"Very good. Then I'll be counting on you. I'll pay you after each test session," Herta said.
Seeing Nolan agree, Herta—hands on her hips—didn't hide her delight and promised him compensation.
After all, Herta wasn't the type to take advantage of others.
[Herta Has Developed Good Feelings Toward You, Obtained 620 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.6 (100/600)]
Nolan was very pleased when the character panel notification popped up. These titles, specialties, and skills that made gaining affection easier were truly powerful.
Herta's affection for him jumped straight from Level 4 with 380 points to Level 6.
She was one of the universe's top geniuses, an openly acknowledged Emanator of Nous, and also maintained cooperative ties with the Corporation.
There was no doubt—Herta was among the small handful of the most powerful and influential figures in the galaxy. The higher her affection for him, the better his prospects in the universe would be.
When her affection toward him reached the maximum level, Nolan wouldn't even need to put in much effort to become one of the most powerful people around.
Just as his thoughts began to wander, another affection notification popped up on the character panel:
[Ruan Mei Has Developed Good Feelings Toward You, Obtained 600 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.4 (0/400)]
Ms. Ruan Mei had also developed goodwill toward him. After a brief moment of thought, Nolan felt it made sense.
She was also involved in the Simulated Universe project, so it was only natural that she would feel some goodwill toward him for agreeing to help with the testing.
Of course, under normal circumstances, even if she did develop goodwill toward him, it would probably be nothing more than a faint, barely noticeable trace—something that would be forgotten after a while.
Ruan Mei was primarily the type of person who was highly focused and rational, interested only in life sciences. Under normal circumstances, her emotions rarely fluctuated much.
However, Nolan possessed many abilities that could draw out affection from girls, amplifying that faint trace of goodwill she had toward him many times over.
From being a complete stranger with no affection at all, her impression of him jumped straight to Level 4—equivalent to the level of a friend.
Seen this way, the upcoming transaction would, barring any surprises, clearly go very smoothly.
When Ruan Mei's affection for him also reached the maximum level, it would mean that two of the universe's top-tier geniuses would be standing on Nolan's side.
Regardless of his own strength, aside from Aeons, there would basically be no one left who would dare to trouble him.
If that day came, even if his strength was still insufficient, Teyvat would still be able to openly connect with interstellar society.
After all, who would provoke two members of the "Genius Society" for the sake of a single planet? Even the Interastral Peace Corporation wouldn't do something like that.
Even the Antimatter Legion, enemies of all civilizations, would have to think twice.
As Nolan pondered these thoughts, he nodded again and said politely:
"I'm just helping with testing in my spare time as part of my duties. Whether there's compensation or not doesn't really matter."
"Alright, then that's settled."
Herta shook her head, then looked toward the elegant lady standing not far from him and said:
"Ruan Mei, weren't you planning to trade with Nolan for that little whale of his? Why don't we go inspect the goods now?"
The Simulated Universe would still need a few more days before formal testing could begin, as the project participants were making their final preparations.
There was no rush, though—it would be fine to let Nolan and Ruan Mei complete their transaction first.
"That works," Ruan Mei replied, a faint glimmer passing through her eyes. She turned slightly to look at Nolan, parted her soft lips, and asked:
"Mr. Nolan, may I ask where your All-Devouring Narwhal is?"
"Just a moment."
Nolan replied, not hesitating at all. He lightly traced a line through the air with his hand, opening a spatial rift that led to the "Void Star Sea."
Through the rift, one could directly see inside—a massive All-Devouring Narwhal lay there, seemingly beached in the void.
"Ms. Ruan Mei, please follow me."
Nolan extended an invitation to her, then stepped inside first. Ruan Mei nodded lightly and followed after him, her snow-white legs moving gracefully.
Herta glanced at Screwllum and Asta and said:
"Let's go take a look as well. A creature this rare is quite something. We can also collect some data while we're at it and reconstruct a few of them in the Simulated Universe."
(End of Chapter)
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