Gopher watched Celenova's utterly shameless demeanor with a brewing headache.
Not long ago, news of the clash between two Emanators of Destruction had reverberated across the cosmos.
Naturally, Penacony had received the reports.
And the fact that the event had even drawn the gaze of Xipe left Gopher with a profound sense of irony.
Followers of the Harmony like them might go their entire lives without ever witnessing Xipe's attention.
Yet, two mere foot soldiers of Destruction had been granted an audience with the Aeon.
How absurd and laughable.
But absurd as it was, Gopher could only sigh at the irony before returning to the ongoing construction of Penacony.
To be honest, Gopher had been exhausted lately.
The Family members, seemingly ordinary in stance, were growing increasingly radical in their actions.
It made him wonder if a show of forceful deterrence was necessary, perhaps even expelling those dissidents. But such actions ran counter to the very tenets of the Harmony.
Perhaps it was the lingering echoes of the Harmony, or maybe the Stellaron's insidious whispers.
Gopher couldn't help but feel lost.
Yet, reality afforded him no time for uncertainty.
The chaos had been temporarily suppressed, but this was merely the calm before the storm.
Amidst it all, being bogged down by both work and his own doubts was draining enough.
The last thing he wanted was to deal with an Emanator of Destruction.
But…
This woman before him had just used the death of Zulo as her grand debut on the galactic stage.
And that formidable 'Harmonious Chords' technique, witnessed by Xipe itself, was undoubtedly genuine.
Celenova, the Emanator of Destruction currently riding a wave of notoriety.
Even if rumors said she'd been severely wounded by Zulo's final, desperate counterattack during their battle…
She was still an Emanator of Destruction.
If a real fight broke out, could the currently fractured and discordant Penacony truly hope to prevail?
Regardless, Gopher represented Penacony. He couldn't afford to show weakness.
He could only take solace in the fact that this Celenova, lacking her own legion and unable to perform the 'Harmonious Chords,' likely had her power halved at best.
"Emanator of Destruction, Celenova. There is nothing here that you desire. Leave. Alone and wounded as you are, how could you possibly stand against my tens of thousands of followers?"
"How do you know there's nothing I want? And given Penacony's current state, are those 'tens of thousands' truly at your disposal?"
'Celenova' seemed entirely unimpressed by Gopher's threat.
This wasn't like the future. Though the exact stage was unclear…
--+--
After a long silence, Gopher let out a heavy sigh.
A wave of power, harmonized with the Music of the Harmony, surged towards Celenova.
'Celenova' smiled slightly.
Using the Harmony's power to discern truth? She understood. She'd done it herself countless times these past few days.
Not only did she willingly join the resonance, she even cast a layer back over Gopher: "Since we both walk the Path of the Harmony, why not let me test your purity as well, Gopher."
"Ha…"
With another sigh, Gopher accepted Celenova's challenge.
"Emanator of Destruction Celenova, have you come to destroy Penacony?"
"Heh, of course not. I've come for Penacony's Stellaron. Let me see what method you used to tame it."
"…"
Gopher fell silent.
He could feel she was telling the truth.
And that left him deeply conflicted.
"Do you intend to incite a Stellaron crisis, or to take it away?"
"A pointless question. If that were my goal, why would I waste time bantering with you here?"
'Celenova' scoffed dismissively, then, not waiting for Gopher's next query, turned the question back on him: "Gopher, do you believe Penacony needs order?"
"…"
Gopher's voice caught in his throat.
The question struck directly at the heart of his turmoil.
How did Celenova know of his internal conflict?
Wasn't she a newly ascended Emanator?
But, under the implicit gaze of Xipe's resonance, he could not lie.
"I believe… it does."
'Celenova' raised an eyebrow.
While she didn't know the exact details of the timeline, it seemed Gopher's resolve was already shaky at this point.
Just as Gopher braced for a harsher follow-up question…
'Celenova' merely chuckled softly.
"I hear your uncertainty, Gopher. But do not forget—the Eternal Centurion is also one of Xipe's Harmonic Strings. I look forward to witnessing the emergence of… appropriate order."
"…Thank you. I suppose I've been trapped in my own narrow perspective."
Gopher was silent for a long moment. He had to admit, he was somewhat… moved by this Emanator of Destruction.
It was more that he was already wrestling with these doubts, but Penacony lacked others who truly understood the Harmony to advise him.
Long periods of solitary contemplation had led him down a rigid path.
Harmony did not mean the absence of righteous anger, nor did it demand limitless forbearance.
In a way, 'Celenova's' words brought him a strange sense of relief.
As his words faded, Gopher voluntarily withdrew the power of the Harmony.
The mutual probing between them concluded. Immediately after, the hostile intent emanating from Penacony towards Celenova dissipated.
For Penacony, their only goal now was to steadily and safely see this troublesome 'guest' on her way.
Their already chaotic world couldn't withstand another major conflict.
Even the usually rambunctious members of the Family had toned down their acts.
They might push against Gopher because he was a known pushover, but an Emanator of Destruction was clearly a different story.
Anger her, and you might be erased the next second with no one to speak for you.
As for Penacony's cautious attitude, 'Celenova' didn't mind.
She had no plans to conquer the place.
Passing through the atmosphere, Celenova descended onto the surface of Penacony.
Compared to the gilded opulence of the Reverie Hotel from the game records, the Penacony of now could hardly be called anything but a slum.
The massive prison complex it once was still retained its core structural design.
But many internal walls had been broken through, converted into spaces for living, daily life, and production.
The patched-up prison was vast, ancient, and worn.
Aside from those remaining in reality to maintain essential order, most of the population was immersed in the Dreamscape, diligently building the beautiful dream that belonged to Penacony.
The one who came out to greet Celenova was Gopher himself.
A man who looked young, yet carried a refined, scholarly air. She had expected some middle-aged fellow, but he appeared rather youthful.
"Gopher Wood."
He extended his hand in introduction.
"Celenova."
Her mechanical prosthetic clasped his hand briefly before letting go.
Gopher's gaze lingered on the artificial limb for a moment before he looked away.
"The Stellaron has been embedded into the Dreamscape using a unique method to ensure its stability and safety. I will take you to its location and accompany you throughout your inspection."
"Fine. Since Mr. Gopher has specially cleared his schedule for this, I have no objections."
'Celenova' didn't mind Gopher's wariness.
The technology she wanted to understand required his explanation. His absence would have been more inconvenient.
"Follow me. I've prepared a room for you to access the Dreamscape."
--+--