However, as Kiana in the image spoke on, everyone did indeed learn more.
Achieving the status of an Aeon hinges on one's philosophy, yet it also doesn't. The specific rules one governs aren't particularly crucial either.
At least!
That's how Kiana saw it.
Because if she wished, even a dog could become an Aeon.
Aeon are undoubtedly terrifying, conceptual deities whose influence spans nearly the entire macro-universe. And as the macro-universe continues to expand, their concepts grow even more immense.
But!
That's about the extent of it.
Regardless of the lore from the game in her past life, Kiana had analyzed the real-world situation.
She was certain.
Each Path is a distinct road.
The Aeon of a Path holds absolute authority over it.
Naturally, they can mobilize all the Imaginary Energy associated with that Path.
So, where does this Imaginary Energy come from?
Isn't it from the Imaginary Tree?
While the Star Rail world only mentions the Tree of Existence, not the Imaginary Tree, in this reality, the Tree of Existence is merely a silhouette of the Imaginary Tree.
To be more precise, it's about how many leaves on the Tree are covered by the Star Rail macro-universe, forming how many abstract cosmic communities.
The Tree of Existence is the generalization of that specific portion of the Imaginary Tree.
They are not equivalent; the relationship is 'less than or equal to'.
Since the Imaginary Energy of the Aeons essentially originates from the Imaginary Tree, then they inherently cannot surpass the Imaginary Tree itself.
Remember, no matter how powerful an Aeon is, they remain at a single-universe level. Whereas the Tree and the Sea, each alone, exist on a multiversal scale.
The two are intertwined, a binary opposition, forming the foundation of a vast, hyper-large multiverse.
This is something many worlds don't possess.
Kiana used a simple analogy in the image.
[If we compare Aeons to appointed kings, then the Imaginary Tree is the true imperial court.]
[As the Daughter of the Imaginary, I am like a princess. Offering counsel and then appointing new kings is simply a trivial matter.]
[So it's not as difficult to manage as you might think.]
She merely needs to lift a finger.
Perhaps promoting Aeons shouldn't be done too frivolously.
But! Within certain limits, where conditions permit, it's absolutely possible.
Kiana made it very clear.
After all, an Aeon is a highly abstract representation of a concept.
The more concepts there are, the easier repetition becomes.
Even if the Aeons themselves try to control it, preventing excessive conflict, there will always be times when it slips from their grasp.
Besides, some overlap between Paths and concepts is allowable.
But!
You can't have seventy or eighty percent overlap, can you?
Even plagiarism checks only allow a ten percent similarity rate.
Truth be told, Kiana allowing a thirty percent similarity rate is already quite generous.
Just look at the original eighteen Aeons—how many of them were repetitive?
It's just that Order didn't come at the right time.
Otherwise, even if she were torn apart and severely wounded, she wouldn't have died.
Much less been devoured.
[Sorry, I got a bit carried away.]
The chibi Kiana seemed to realize this belatedly, showing a hint of apology.
However, both Miss Yuzu and the audience in the real world were listening with rapt attention. These were super-secrets worth their weight in gold, impossible to buy.
Even if it seemed nearly impossible, didn't it feel like having an open-book exam? Becoming an Aeon and all... right?
[So now, let's take a look at Lady Aponia's official artwork!]
Miss Vtuber waved her hand casually, swiping the light blue screen behind her.
A piece of artwork appeared, transforming from a silhouette into reality, gaining color and being imbued with a divine aura.
[As everyone knows,]
[She is a verse of pure poetry within the macro-universe.]
[She is the light and fire guiding lost believers forward.]
[With her most compassionate demeanor, she teaches the meaning of innocence and kindness. Her very existence seems to define the moral beacon for the entire cosmos.]
[Yes, that's right!]
[She is Aponia.]
[The Aeon of Commandments.]
(T/N: This may contradict what is written previously but the term used 戒律 does mean commandment so im going to keep it this way)
Whoosh~
Even though they were prepared, at this moment, they couldn't help but be awestruck.
What a profoundly sacred sight it was.
A merciful Madonna, nurturing all, yet her wrists, shoulders, neck, waist... ankles, calves, even her head! Were adorned with chains and shackles...
Had she committed a crime?
No!
Those chains, those shackles, resembled more like twisted karmic obstacles.
Seemingly restraining her, yet in reality, restrained by her.
She gazed down, at what? As if looking upon the ages, time, past and present, the future.
As if possessing great enlightenment, seeming to pray, offering prayers for all living beings. And like a striking beacon of hope within the silent cosmos, existing amidst holy light.
Commandments, commandments...
Only by restraining oneself, understanding oneself, can one reach the sacred paradise, transcending worldly concerns.
It was like, once again!
Gaining a clearer understanding of Aponia's will.
Many people knelt down.
Even more believers began praying on the spot, casting aside their original faith, their eyes holding only her.
Someone took notes, writing and then crossing out.
Aponia? A Bodhisattva? Nah... she's the guide to paradise.
Not distant.
Yet, profoundly alone.
Of course!
Some people still couldn't comprehend the will of Aponia depicted on the screen.
Just like Aponia herself in the real world was also perplexed, somewhat unable to understand it.
After all! The future is the future, the present is the present.
To put it simply, the Path of Commandments advocates restraint, abstinence, and guidance.
But beyond guidance, it emphasizes cultivating the mind and body, enhancing one's awareness.
With higher awareness, one's spiritual realm naturally elevates.
Although the Abundance, the Aeon most resembling the Buddha archetype, isn't known for trying to 'enlighten' you at every turn, in Kiana's setting, the future Aponia might very well do just that.
Kiana herself didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
But with her support, the Aeons she fostered would certainly enjoy more freedom compared to their wild counterparts.
To do or not to do, it's all up to you.
To paint a picture, the future Aponia is the type who, if you are obedient and self-aware, that's good. But if you aren't, she can also reason with you.
What kind of reason?
The Commandments.
If Sun Wukong was unruly, he got a golden headband.
Think about the original work, didn't Aponia's approach towards Kalpas have a similar flavor?
If it really doesn't work out!
It can be changed later.
Anyway, the future of achieving Aeonhood hasn't been realized yet.
Just consider it drawing a blueprint.
Stimulating the global audience is also for gathering more emotional energy.
Truth mixed with falsehood, falsehood mixed with truth.
Perhaps even she herself couldn't be sure.
Because the future is constantly changing!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
20+ advanced chaps on my patreon.
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.