Ruiko Saten was in a panic. Her sudden power-up had caused a huge stir.
Now, many research institutes were inviting her to cooperate with them. Even the Board of Directors wanted her to transfer to Tokiwadai.
Someone clearly wanted to uncover the reason behind her transformation.
Academy City had an aptitude assessment system that basically predetermined the level of each person's esper abilities.
That assessment was essentially a test of innate potentialwho could become Level 5, who might reach Level 6it was all pre-determined.
But Ruiko Saten had broken that pattern. Her esper abilities had recently advanced to Level 4 in a short time span.
This naturally piqued interest. Did she just work hard?
If effort alone worked, there wouldn't be so many powerless or low-powered espers in Academy City.
Takumi: [Isn't this expected?] [But don't be scared!] [Worst case, just immigrate. If you can't win, just run. Not a big deal!] [If it gets bad, shiroyasha and I can drop by.] [Don't panic!] [Don't forget, we've got some real powerhouses in this group.] [@Izayoi, you're up. You've powered up, right? You must be pretty strong now.]
Izayoi should've enhanced himself by now, right?
With all the time that's passed, he's probably read through every novel out there.
After understanding his power, with his mind and a solid power-up, Izayoi could very well have become much stronger.
Izayoi: [That's right, I'm ridiculously strong now!] [Call me up anytime you need to fight!]
Izayoi was feeling great.
After understanding the power within him and his Simulated Star Creation Diagram, he decisively enhanced himself.
He now had much better control over his power.
Originally, Izayoi was already a candidate for the Original Text and humanity's Final Trial.
Back when he first arrived at the Little Garden, he was already a four-digit-level existence.
Now, after powering up, his strength had likely reached three-digit levels.
Even if not quite there, he was at least a peak four-digit combatant.
Basically, he was somewhere in that range.
Three-digit strength meant the ability to destroy a galaxy.
Two-digit was single-universe level, or even multiverse-level.
One-digit was multiversal-level.
Now, with his enhancements and the Simulated Star Creation Diagram, Izayoi could probably destroy a galaxy.
Though he hadn't tested it yet, he had a hunch.
In the Toaru world, as long as no magic gods show up, he'd have nothing to fear.
Ruiko Saten: [Umm...] [Alright!] [I'll do my best. If it doesn't work out, I'll run.] [I'll go to your world, get stronger, then come back.]
Ruiko Saten was a little frustrated.
Takumi saw this and, after thinking a bit, replied again in the group chat.
Takumi: [Don't worry, I'll head over to your world once I'm back.] [While I'm there, I'll have a chat with Aleister.] [It's not a big deal!]
The tens of thousands of yellow books and all the mysteries in the Toaru world were definitely worth exploring.
Esper powers... Takumi's world originally began with espers.
So of course he was curious enough to stop by.
When Ruiko Saten saw Takumi's reply, she finally relaxed.
Takumi coming over? That would be amazing.
Ais: [The weapon's ready.] [@Asuna Yuuki @Sagiri @Chika Fujiwara]
After Takumi and Ruiko Saten's conversation, others in the chat started popping up and chatting about other things.
Seeing this, Takumi smiled and didn't think much more, continuing to wander around.
Some were seriously watching Takumi's stream, enjoying the scenery from another world.
Though not everyone was keeping up with the chat.
After wandering around the world of Honkai: Star Rail for a while, Takumi felt it was time and returned to the Xianzhou Luofu.
There, he went straight to find Tingyun.
At that moment, Tingyun was with Yukong. Qingque was there too.
When Yukong learned Tingyun was still alive, she was overjoyed.
Qingque rushed over the moment she got the news.
They also learned that Tingyun was about to leave the ark with a certain Aeon.
Initially, they felt a bit down about it.
But after hearing from March 7 and the others about other worldsand that Tingyun could return at any timethey quickly cheered up.
Qingque even shared her story of playing cards with Takumi.
Turns out, they were all connected after all.
What a coincidence, huh?
As the group chatted away, Takumi arrived, and naturally, everyone noticed immediately.
Chapter 241: I Want to Explore the Universe!
When Yukong saw Takumi, she was momentarily stunned.
Was he really the one who saved Tingyun? And also the one who planned to take her away?
"Benefactor!"
The moment Tingyun saw Takumi, her face lit up with joy as she greeted him warmly.
"Done talking?"
Takumi smiled as he stepped forward and greeted the others.
"Hello, Miss Yukong. I'm Takumi."
Hearing his words, Yukong gave a small smile and immediately spoke up:
"Mr. Takumi, thank you for saving Tingyun. I truly appreciate it."
As she spoke, Yukong bowed respectfully to Takumi.
"It was nothing," Takumi replied casually. "Besides, I plan to take Tingyun to my world. Miss Tingyun has quite the talentI'd like her help with some things."
Yukong nodded. "She's already explained that to me. I think it's a good idea. Please take care of her."
Letting Tingyun leave might be for the best. The current state of the ark wasn't exactly stable. After all that had happened, staying here was too dangerous for her.
After learning about Takumi's power and background, Yukong was reassured. She had no objections.
Heading to Takumi's world would be much safer. Plus, she could return anytime.
"Alright," Takumi said, turning to Tingyun. "Are you ready?"
Seeing this, Tingyun quickly spoke up:
"Yes, Benefactor. I've already packed everything I need."
She had long since made preparations and was simply waiting for Takumi.
"Then let's set off," Takumi said. "March 7, Lumineshall I send you back to the Astral Express? Or is there somewhere else you want to go?"
Since he planned to return, Takumi also intended to send the others off.
"Send us to the space station," March 7 replied after thinking for a moment. "We're heading there next!"
They weren't going back to the train right away. They planned to tour around with Lumine, starting at the space station, and then head to Jarilo-VI.
Hearing this, Takumi nodded and opened a space portal leading to Herta's office.
With that done, Takumi turned to Yukong to say goodbye.
"Well then, we're off for now, Miss Yukong. If you get the chance, come visit my world."
Yukong nodded. "I will. If the opportunity arises, I'll definitely go."
Visiting Takumi's world? That sounded interesting. Honestly, she was quite curious. What kind of place was it, especially if Tingyun would be living there?
After saying his goodbyes, Takumi turned and entered the portal without looking back. Tingyun and the others also bid farewell to Yukong.
The group first arrived at the space station. When Herta saw Takumi arrive, she was a bit confused. Mobius and others were also present.
Seeing Takumi, Herta's eyes lit up.
"Simulation test?"
Since he was here, why not test the simulated universe?
"Nope," Takumi replied. "I'm just dropping them off. Mobius, we're heading back now. If you want to return later, just have Herta send you back."
Mobius spoke up first:
"Mobius, Vill-V, and Bronya will stay. I'll go back with you. There are some things at the Academy I need to take care of."
She didn't plan to stay longthere was a lot of work to do back at the Academy.
Hearing this, Takumi nodded. "Alright then."
With that, he opened his imaginary space.
"Tingyun, go ahead. We'll arrive shortly."
Tingyun nodded and stepped into the space without hesitation. Mobius followed shortly after.
After taking care of everything, Takumi bid farewell to the others and left this world entirely.
The moment he disappeared, the Aeons immediately sensed it.
The newly ascended Aeon had vanished?
"How interesting!"
"Can he just come and go from our world at will?"
"Ahaha! This is truly intriguing!!"
Aha turned his gaze toward the space station, fascinated.
How could Takumi travel between worlds so freely?
But no one could give them an answer now.
Takumi returned to his home world and immediately teleported to where Ningguang was.
When she saw him appear out of nowhere, Ningguang froze for a moment.
But before she could speak, Takumi brought someone else outTingyun.
Looking around, Tingyun was astonished.
"Benefactor, have we arrived?" she asked curiously.
Takumi nodded.
"This is Ningguang. You'll be working with her from now on. Ningguang, this is Tingyunshe's a savvy businesswoman. The two of you should get along well."
"If you need anything, talk to Prometheus. He'll provide all the support you need."
Hearing that, Tingyun quickly nodded.
"Understood, Benefactor. I'll coordinate with Miss Ningguang."
She already knew what her job here would be. After a brief orientation, she'd get to work.
With Tingyun settled, Takumi left and headed to the Academy, where he released Mobius.
Once she stepped out, Mobius said:
"I plan to explore this universe."
After seeing the many universes in Honkai: Star Rail, she was now deeply curious about Takumi's world.
Are there other habitable planets beyond this universe?
All these questions were worth investigating.
Once she began exploring the wider cosmos, various technologies could be developed and shared.
She even planned to involve people from Alice's world.
Even though it was just an ordinary world, if given time to integrate, their knowledge and capabilities would grow rapidly.
Plus, their world was no longer suitable for space exploration. Dangerous edible creatures now roamed the cosmos.
In contrast, Takumi's universe was completely undevelopeda blank slate.
How could one not be curious?
She was determined to explore it.
In fact... she had some rather bold ideas in mind.
Chapter 242: Kaguya: Wanna Play a Few Rounds? Takumi: Not Letting You
The universe observed by Honkai: Star Rail was undoubtedly vast. And now, a completely uncharted world had revealed itself to everyone.
Dr. Mei was certain that Herta would be interested. When the time came, they could bring her over to explore it.
The perpetual motion engine was already in place, along with various spacecraft technologies. Staying confined to this single planet would be a waste.
Upon hearing Mei's thoughts, Takumi nodded.
"If you need support, just let me know."
If you want to do it, then do it.
Takumi had always intended to develop this civilization. However, given the recent opportunities he encountered, he realized that civilization development might no longer be a viable means to make himself stronger.
Still, even if it wouldn't make him stronger, it had to be done.
"Make some Fourth Divine Keys for me."
"Step one of the plan is to land directly on Mars. Then, terraform the environment and transplant some food ingredients from the Gourmet World to make it habitable."
"That's all I need."
Dr. Mei glanced at Takumi. All she needed was the Fourth Divine Key, made from the Herrscher of Wind's corea Divine Key capable of altering atmospheric conditions. She'd use it to terraform Mars, then use Mars as a springboard to explore other locations.
"Do you need the Herrscher of Void's core? After all, space travel requires teleportation."
Takumi, naturally, wouldn't refuse. He'd even be willing to provide more.
"No need. I've already mastered space teleportation. I don't need the Herrscher of Void's core."
"Honestly, if it weren't for the hassle, I wouldn't even need the Wind core. But since it's already available, I might as well use it."
"Besides, shipbuilding and all thatVilvi can handle it herself. She already possesses the authority of the Herrscher of Reason."
"I'll have Kevin, Qianjie, and Kosma serve as the vanguard to begin exploration. Let them lead the charge."
Dr. Mei pushed up her glasses. She didn't need the Void core. Space teleportation was already under her control.
"Hmm... alright."
Since that was the case, Takumi had nothing more to add. He immediately began constructing Divine Keys out of thin air.
Before long, the area outside the lab was filled with Fourth Divine Keys. Each was the size of a bus, so they didn't take up much space. Dr. Mei would just need to process them.
Seeing that everything was in place, Dr. Mei nodded.
"Alright. You go ahead. I've got work to do on my end."
With that, she ignored Takumi and got busy with her own tasks.
The more she interacted with Takumi's world, the more fascinated she became. She was now purely a researcher. She didn't need to deal with troublesome mattersshe could just focus on her studies.
She really loved it here.
...
Seeing Dr. Mei immersed in her work, Takumi didn't disturb her. In a flash, he returned to his villa.
He asked Prometheus, "Have the residents of Gensokyo arrived yet? Where are they now?"
Prometheus promptly responded.
"Miss Miori Shiba is handling it. The youkai are currently looking for suitable habitats."
"Eientei has been established near the Vampire Ninja Village. Kazami Yuuka didn't claim her own territory but instead went to Alice's world to hunt Gourmet Beasts."
"Many battle-loving youkai went along as well."
Prometheus quickly briefed Takumi on the situation.
Hearing this, Takumi raised an eyebrow.
"Some of them immediately went off to fight, huh? Figures. A bunch of battle maniacs. Must've been suffocating in Gensokyo."
"Indeed."
After understanding the situation, Takumi didn't say much more. He headed straight to the Vampire Ninja Village.
It was located in a forest near Hope Citya village Takumi had personally founded. Naturally, he knew exactly where it was. It was located at the base of the mountain where Takumi currently lived.
Soon, Takumi arrived at Eientei.
To his surprise, a bamboo forest had already sprung up around it.
He looked at it speechlessly.
They set this up so fast? Even went out of their way to recreate the bamboo forest? It was like a direct copy.
After silently complaining in his heart, Takumi stepped inside. Passing through the bamboo grove, he soon found Princess Kaguya.
She was currently directing robots to build her house.
