At that moment, the Messenger, watching all this unfold in the Memory World, was completely dumbfounded. In real-world time, not even an hour had passed… and yet the player had already unlocked a new ability? And was already taking steps even further down the path of the Player?
Messenger: "At this rate, when Mr. Pei Guang comes out, is he just going to…"
But the Messenger's worry was unnecessary. With the restrictions from the Aeon of Remembrance and the system, Pei Guang couldn't grow too wildly out of control.
This new ability wasn't something gained by force. It came simply because Pei Guang was musing over how it was a bit unfair that he didn't have any elite or hero units yet. As soon as he thought about Earth, about his territory, the concept of this ability simply… came into being.
Ultimately, this skill existed because of real-world influence; only the Memory World had accelerated the moment of its "realization" a bit ahead of schedule. The overall impact was minimal.
This was very different from the last Simulated Universe. Back then, the Aeon of Erudition had completely removed Pei Guang's restrictions in the simulation. But this time, Fu Xuan had basically cranked the constraints to the max.
Even so, the speed at which the Memory World was developing left the Messenger absolutely stunned.
But she didn't have time to stay stunned for long—because she saw that other star systems had already begun arriving in this one. Pei Guang's faction was also preparing to strike outward into new systems.
This was the most critical moment, and the Messenger had to keep her eyes on Pei Guang's performance at all times.
Meanwhile, Pei Guang also saw a new update in the system log:
[A group of unexpected visitors has entered the Aiur System. Upon seeing the threat of the Propagation Swarm, they attempted to flee their home and—by accident or fate—stumbled into the Aiur System, now under the control of the Zergs.]
They were a refugee fleet. When this fleet warped into the system and saw an entire star system crawling with insectoid lifeforms, they thought they were doomed.
Flagship Captain: "It's over! This system's swarming with bugs too!"
Soldier: "Commander! We're completely surrounded!"
Communications Officer: "Commander, we've received a transmission from this system's supreme commander… Uh… These bugs… don't seem like those bugs?"
Hearing this, the flagship captain began to closely observe the insectoids of this system. Unlike the mindless bugs from the Imperator Insectorum, the Swarm in the Aiur System was far too organized.
Leviathans were neatly stationed in fleet formations throughout the system. Countless insectoids stood as if preparing for a military parade, lined up in order by size.
And when the refugee fleet appeared, they didn't attack. Instead, they watched, alert and cautious, as if awaiting orders.
The Swarm's forms were incredibly diverse. There were massive Leviathans, smaller ones about the size of humans, and even bizarre constructs that resembled ships—only they seemed to be insects?
And the system's star… there was a superstructure siphoning energy directly from it? How had these bugs achieved this level of technological advancement?
The captain could confirm one thing for certain: these weren't the same bugs as the ones from the great plague. But at the same time, he was sure that any wrong move from his side, and their fleet would be torn to shreds.
As he hesitated in silence, their fleet received a signal from Pei Guang's faction.
An elderly statesman spoke:
"Greetings, travelers. I am the diplomat of the Aiur System…"
Humanity from Aiur and humans from other star systems began to communicate, and Pei Guang's faction officially took its first step beyond its home system, beginning its advance into the wider universe.
At the same time, Pei Guang's system log began to update.
[The refugees from other star systems were unwilling to remain in this system. Moved by the passion of the people and the insectoids here, they left behind critical intel: the insect plague from the Aeon of Propagation is about to reach this star system]
[Player Pei Guang has obtained vital intelligence. Only a small number of people were able to escape—most others in the nearby star systems and galaxies have been left behind to await death.]
[Player Pei Guang is now fully producing Leviathans, and has dispatched humanoid insectoid units to cooperate with humans in occupying nearby star systems]
[Player Pei Guang has occupied the Terra system, a mineral-rich system, and a system known for its beautiful scenery]
In just a few short years, Pei Guang's fleet swiftly took control of surrounding planets that had interstellar navigation capability but whose upper echelons had fled. Under Pei Guang's overwhelming force, these planets were brought into Pei Guang's domain.
With a mix of carrot and stick, most people chose to join. After all, joining didn't impact their lives; in fact, they lived better. Refusing to join could very well mean death.
Another key reason for the rapid conquest was the major success of the cute-style insectoids Pei Guang sent out, especially the humanoid ones, capable of satisfying all sorts of xps across all ages and genders.
In a world with advanced tech, the rich and powerful had already fled. Those with spirit who remained, upon realizing salvation was possible, also chose to fall into Pei Guang's embrace.
In ten years' time, every month, Pei Guang's Swarm fleet expanded at a terrifying pace. In less than a decade, the surrounding thousand star systems had all become part of Pei Guang's domain.
At the same time, Pei Guang ordered his fleet to broadcast across the universe.
[Pei Guang broadcasts coordinates and critical information to the entire universe]
Universal Broadcast: "To all life across the star systems of the universe, I am Pei Guang, ruler of the Aiur System. The Aeon of Propagation, Tayzzyronth, commits acts of destruction in the name of propagation. Wherever it and its progeny go, they leave only scorched earth.
As the true leader of the Swarm, I cannot stand by and watch Tayzzyronth defile the honor of the insectoids. In the name of the Swarm, I declare war on Tayzzyronth.
To all planets suffering under Tayzzyronth's plague: when you find yourselves besieged by these wicked bugs, send us a distress signal at our coordinates. We will dispatch Swarm vanguard forces to rescue you, to the best of our ability."
To those in the universe who wish to resist Tayzzyronth—we, the True Swarm, are willing to cooperate with you. As intelligent lifeforms, we are happy to pursue mutual growth and prosperity alongside humanity. Anyone who wishes to fight Tayzzyronth is welcome to come to the Aiur System. We welcome all life that desires Tayzzyronth's destruction."
Once Pei Guang's statement was released, countless civilizations across the stars erupted in uproar. Many civilizations with interstellar capabilities already knew of Tayzzyronth, the Aeon of Propagation. How could mere mortals possibly resist the power of an Aeon?
Many civilizations waited to see a joke unfold—but at the same time, some who received Pei Guang's broadcast and were suffering from the insect plague clung to this message like a lifeline.
Two hours after the message went out, a special "person" arrived on Pei Guang's planet for an interview.
"Respected Emperor Pei Guang, greetings! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Aha. I heard you intend to challenge the Aeon of Propagation, Tayzzyronth. I would like to stay by your side as a witness. In this world of memories, only you can bring me any semblance of joy. Please, great Emperor Pei Guang, allow this humble one to accompany you~"
[Aha of Elation has applied to join Pei Guang's faction. Aha is unsatisfied with the fake, fixed future of the memory world and condemns the actions of the Aeon of Remembrance. The Aha within this memory world believes that helping more people brings true enjoyment: repeating what has already happened holds no meaning.]
[Pei Guang permits Aha to join. Aha expresses great joy and wishes to gift Pei Guang some power. Pei Guang, however, refused Aha's power and instead bestows it upon his Swarm. One larva receives Aha's full blessing. Under the influence of Pei Guang and Aha's blessing, the larva undergoes a wondrous evolution, becoming a beetle with a humanoid white head. Upon seeing this creature, Pei Guang names it: Hollow Knight]
The memory world continued to develop at breakneck speed. But outside, the Messenger watching it all unfold was overcome with a chill—not from witnessing Pei Guang's rapid rise.
It was because she saw Aha, within the memory world, glance at her with one of His masks during His application to join. Through that mask, the Messenger could feel Aha's taunting presence loud and clear.
The gist of the taunt was: "How could just watching from the outside ever compare to the joy of participating? You can look~ but you can't play~"
But this wasn't what truly frightened the Messenger: because right beside her, a masked "person" was giving a middle finger to her memory-world counterpart. And while mocking her, this being also wore a strangely reassuring expression.
"Keep going, don't be scared. I'm a nice guy. Just thought this place seemed fun and dropped by to visit. Don't worry~ I'm just looking~"