Although exploration within the Simulated Universe feels extremely real, things like maps are still designed for the explorers.
This is mainly to prevent explorers from getting lost in an overly realistic environment.
Staying too long inside this information model connected to the mind will inevitably make a person lose their sense of direction, unable to tell reality from illusion.
Not to mention that although the information of the Aeons is constructed through simulation, within the Simulated Universe, when mortals look directly at them, there is no obvious difference compared to facing real Aeons.
Nero found a route map on the stone wall. It looked like random graffiti carved by a primitive tribe, winding along the natural patterns of the rock. If you didn't observe carefully, it would be hard to distinguish it from the stone's texture.
This was also one of the slices the geniuses had implemented, making it easier for explorers to accurately remember the map and choose routes, preventing them from lingering too long within the Simulated Universe.
Nero stared at the route map for a few seconds, changed the battle-focused route he had chosen into an event route, then turned around and set off.
After walking for some time through this cave that looked like a mining tunnel, Nero came across several forks in the path. Relying on his memory of the map's orientation, he made his choice.
He didn't know which planet this land belonged to, or maybe this environment was actually simulated based on his impression of Belobog...
Even without flying, Nero's pace wasn't slow. Before long, he left the cave. The moment he stepped out, what met his eyes was heavy snow swirling everywhere.
And just as Nero stepped out of the cave, a floating pillar near the cave entrance, close to the rock wall, trembled slightly. Then it became more solid.
A beam of light burst from the top of the pillar. A rotating sphere, like a spinning die, appeared there. Suddenly, gorgeous rosy dawn and a starry sky erupted and lingered for a brief instant.
The next moment, it turned back into that multi-faced sphere, each face a mask with a different expression...
As if nothing strange had happened at all.
Nero stood at the cave entrance and looked down. The surroundings rose and fell, all covered in endless white.
The platform beneath his feet was like a tongue sticking out from the opening of a cave on a towering snow mountain.
A biting cold wind blew straight at him. The kid shivered slightly.
Ordinary cold usually couldn't affect Nero much, but still, even if he could endure it, cold was still cold.
Just like in Belobog, near the source of the cold wave, even with the protection of Trailblaze power, March still shivered from the freezing temperature.
Standing at the cliff's edge, Nero looked around. There was no convenient place to step, put simply, the path you could normally walk on was gone.
He himself was fine; he could just fly across. If it were Stelle, she would probably have to go back the way she came, or hold a lance, light fires for warmth, and climb down along the cliff.
If he could take out that Wind Glider stored in Herta Space Station, he could probably glide straight down. That thing should be much sturdier and more stable than an ordinary glider.
Nero's thoughts wandered for a moment, then quickly settled. This level of difficulty meant nothing to him. After all, he could fly.
The boy narrowed his eyes, trying to make out directions through the snowstorm, and soon picked a route.
But just as Nero was about to set off in that direction, the roar of engines sounded above him. A massive object slowly descended and hovered in front of him.
It was an incredibly gorgeous airship. Its owner had taken great care of it, keeping it spotless, and decorating it with intricate, beautiful patterns.
It had powerful propulsion and looked like a truly stunning vessel, especially when faint howls belonging to Fragmentum creatures came from its engines, making it even more striking.
That sound reminded Nero of an old acquaintance's vicious curses while working...
If some things and scenes in the Simulated Universe were generated based on references from Nero's memories... then Nero felt he already knew who was about to appear.
Although this magnificent ship wasn't exactly the same as the Ever-Victorious Vessel, the style was extremely similar.
The next moment, the ship's hatch opened. Sure enough, a beautiful man with red hair and silver armor stepped out, a passing Knight of Beauty.
Argenti took two steps forward and fixed his gaze on Nero. In that moment, the knight's eyes flickered faintly. Then this man, like a prince out of a fairy tale, slightly quickened his pace.
He quickly arrived before Nero. The armor made a light, crisp sound as it brushed against itself.
Then he lowered his head, knelt on one knee in front of Nero, parted his lips, and spoke what was the shortest, yet most passionate praise he had ever given as a Knight of Beauty, "Idrila..."
Nero blinked as he looked at Argenti. Running into an old acquaintance inside the Simulated Universe felt pretty fresh.
Unfortunately, the Simulated Universe was still just a simulation. If it were the real Argenti, he definitely wouldn't call him Idrila.
Even if Nero really were Idrila, Argenti would still address him with a name related to "Nero," since Nero had introduced himself that way.
Because that was what matched the principles Argenti upheld. As a knight, he truly gave all "beauty" the respect it deserved.
As for the Argenti in front of him, he should be one of the slices designed by the geniuses, the kind that delivers Blessings.
After all, he had encountered events with the Knight of Beauty in his previous life's gameplay too.
He didn't expect to run into one so quickly. His luck was actually pretty good.
Nero narrowed his eyes, feeling a bit pleased.
Then Nero reached out with both hands, cupped Argenti's face, and had him stand up.
The cold wind stirred the boy's white hair, strands drifting and brushing lightly across the knight's face.
Argenti raised his head and looked upward in reverence.
"I believe you may need assistance at this moment." After standing up, Argenti looked at Nero and said, "Beauty will draw the gaze of the Aeons for you here!"
As he spoke, Argenti straightened his body and raised the long spear in his hand high. The faint light of the sky behind the snow mist and gloomy clouds fell onto the crimson spear tip, reflecting a dazzling glow.
Nero sensed some changes occurring within himself. Some enhancements had appeared, or rather, some additional power had emerged.
He was already very familiar with the powers of Lan and Aha, but there was a new one, this power carried a distant, isolating quality, something Nero had never experienced before.
If he had to describe that feeling, he would choose words like "gray," "gloomy," "giving up."
Through this aggressive yet strangely non-attacking gray quality, Nero immediately understood. If nothing unexpected happened, this power should come from Nihility?
Being able to experience becoming a Self-Annihilator within the Simulated Universe... wouldn't that kind of path be a bit dangerous?
A trace of doubt surfaced in Nero's mind, but he didn't dwell on it.
On the other side, as one of the slices meant to assist explorers, Argenti seemed able to perceive the changes happening to Nero. So he had already lowered the spear in his hand.
Right after that, the Knight of Beauty slightly furrowed his brows, concern appearing in his eyes as he looked at Nero. Simply providing this kind of help might not be enough.
Although the snowy scene here was extremely beautiful, enduring hunger and cold was not a form of beauty for intelligent life. As a Knight of Beauty, he should strive to experience and understand every aspect of beauty.
The figure of the white-haired boy reflected in Argenti's beautiful eyes. In the knight's heart, he believed this was a trial.
But whether it was truly a trial didn't matter. His faith, his pursuit, and his heart all drove him forward.
So Argenti spoke again, "I believe you may still need some assistance. Walking in the snow is no easy matter. Please, come aboard."
"Hm? Okay."
Nero looked at Argenti, nodded, and didn't refuse.
Getting a Blessing and even a ride on a ship, the Knight of Beauty really is just too great.