I, The Aeon of Trailblaze, Trailblazing the Multiverse

"You let go of me! You're disgusting!" Elias shuddered, his skin crawling with goosebumps.

"Dear friend! Dear friend! Let me on the train!"

Aha seemed to have thought of something. A puff of smoke appeared around them, and in the next moment, they transformed into a bombshell of a young woman, with the "Jester's Mask" now in a charming pink hue.

"Am I pretty now? Dear friend! Say something!"

Elias was utterly speechless.

"Aha! You seriously make me want to strangle you!"

No one, not even the former Trailblaze, truly knew Aha's gender.

When Aha first sneaked onto the train, they had used a female form—this very same one.

If one had to be particular, Aeons had no gender, or rather, they could assume any gender they wished—male, female, or even neither.

As philosophical embodiments of concepts, concepts themselves had no inherent gender.

If an Aeon considered themselves male, then they were male; if female, then female.

Elias himself could transform into a woman if he wanted, but he simply perceived himself as male.

"Hahaha! Dear friend, I knew you were into this~" Aha's pink jester mask instantly morphed into a grinning face.

"Please, dear friend, let me board the train again. I'll agree to any condition you set. As long as I'm within your domain, I'll do whatever you ask."

Elias was completely at a loss for words. "You really have no shame when it comes to finding fun. Wait, do you even have a concept of shame?"

For the sake of fun, Aha would do anything—even signing a "contract of servitude" without a moment's hesitation.

Aha smugly proclaimed, "Hahaha, what can I say? I am the Aeon of Joy; I am Elation itself!"

Elias pondered for exactly 0.1 seconds, staring at the shameless figure clinging to his leg.

"Alright, since you've gone this far, let's set three ground rules."

Though Aha was the embodiment of chaos and revelry, they were known to keep their promises—albeit in ways that often left others speechless.

Aha might constantly call him "dear friend," but in truth, they were friends—troublesome ones, but friends nonetheless. Trustworthy, in a twisted way.

Aha let go of Elias's leg and stood up, their jester mask shifting into a serious expression.

Elias continued, "First, in other worlds, you must obey my will and never act on your own accord."

Aha waved a hand dismissively. "No problem, no problem! As long as I'm in your domain, dear friend, I'll listen to you."

"Second, you're allowed to spread the Path of Elation, but you are strictly prohibited from interfering with its followers. And none of them can be evildoers."

Aha asked with interest, "And how do you define an evildoer?"

Elias replied, "Their actions must be virtuous, fighting for all that is beautiful and good."

Aha's voice carried a subtle weight. "Dear friend, you've truly changed. You're still you, but also… not. Your very sense of self has transformed."

"Fighting for all that is beautiful... How poetic. I accept."

"Third," Elias said with a smile, "you must never interfere with any Nameless's journey. If you must, it must always be positive. You know I'm quite protective."

Elias extended his hand, grinning. "Abide by these three rules, and you'll always be welcome as my strongest Trailblaze Emanator."

Aha burst into laughter, ecstatic. "Hahaha, dear friend, you're just as much fun as I remember—maybe even more now!"

"Fine, fine! As long as I'm in your domain, I'll be your strongest Emanator of Trailblaze!"

With a flourish, Aha grasped Elias's outstretched hand.

In the presence of Kafka, Silver Wolf, and Stelle, the two Aeons forged their pact.

"Hahahaha…"

"Hehehehehe…"

The two Aeons laughed together, reveling in the absurdity of it all.

...

I am Silver Wolf.

A "Stellaron Hunter."

Together with Kafka, I carry out Elio's script.

Unfortunately, we failed. The story has taken a turn for the worst.

Both Kafka and I were captured by Genius Society's Emanator, Herta. Kafka couldn't even withstand a single move from Herta before falling to her knees. Naturally, I fared no better.

The only fortunate thing amidst all the misfortune was that I managed to print out Stelle at the last moment.

Then the three of us were locked up together, and Herta put dozens of countermeasures in place to prevent our escape.

I thought our fate was sealed—to be transferred and either rescued by Sam and Blade mid-flight or, if that failed, be taken to the Interastral Peace Corporation's headquarters, Pier Point.

But beyond all expectations, a "Masked Fool" appeared, squeezing my face and teasing me.

I was furious and wanted to bite his fingers off.

But I held back—maybe he could get us out of here early.

Then came the unexpected.

The Aeon of Elation descended, and that so-called Masked Fool turned out to be none other than the returning Aeon of Trailblaze.

These two Aeons, as if performing a comedy duo act, completely shattered my awe-inspiring image of the Aeons.

This must be a dream.

No doubt, I must be dreaming.

...Okay, it's not a dream—though I kind of wish it were.

And now, Trailblaze pointed at me, Kafka, and the newly "printed" Stelle, telling us to become Nameless.

I wanted to refuse, but refusing an Aeon's request... yeah, not something I'm brave enough to try.

But on second thought—I'm personally invited by the Aeon of Trailblaze to join the Star Rail. That means... doesn't it make me someone with the backing of an Aeon now?

Silver Wolf pursed her lips like a little cat, glancing left and right before looking at the staff member returning her "equipment."

Now, after being brought out of the Herta Space Station by the Aeon of Trailblaze, she, Kafka, and Stelle had become esteemed guests.

Currently, they were sitting in the station's "Rest Area," sipping coffee alongside the Nameless from the train.

Himeko looked at the three Stellaron Hunters with a rather complicated expression. "So, these three Stellaron Hunters are going to be our new companions, Lord Elias?"

Elias grinned. "Is there a problem with that, Himeko? They have the spirit of trailblaze, don't they?" He glanced at Silver Wolf and Kafka.

Silver Wolf nodded enthusiastically, like a little chick pecking at rice. "Yes, I have always yearned for adventure. I've wanted to be a Nameless for a long time but never had the chance. Please, let us aboard the train!"

Kafka nodded as well. "Yes, Silver Wolf and I will no longer be Stellaron Hunters from now on."

Elio promised the most beautiful ending, but... following the Aeon of Trailblaze doesn't seem so bad either.

Of course, the biggest reason is that refusing an Aeon in person... well, that's not an option.

March 7th stood with her hands on her hips. "Even though you guys are the infamous Stellaron Hunters, since Lord Elias has already decided that you'll be our companions, I have nothing more to say."

"But from now on, you can't do any bad things. Otherwise, I won't recognize you as my comrades!"

Kafka smiled softly. "March 7th, once you get to know us, I believe you'll come to like us."

At that moment, Aha, who had been waiting impatiently, jumped out.

"And me, and me, dear friend! I'm the strongest Emanator of Trailblaze, why haven't you introduced me yet?"