Constellation, Endless Calculator - (5)

Having finished my conversation with the Endless Calculator, I immediately released the temporary body. Even though I could inhabit a perfect human form and use vocal cords as a muscle organ, my essence was still not human. It was far more convenient to send my will directly than to open a mouth.

"Understood, Lord Constellation. Then I'll return to the Central Avatar Research Institute."

Vivian, who had been waiting outside sipping tea, stood up. Unlike typical constellations, I could only descend avatars near my apostles, so situations requiring assistance cropped up often. Like Vivian coming all the way here to the imprisoned AI constellation's location. Or the reason for meeting the Sky-Supporting Great Tree last time...

"It's fine, Lord Constellation. This is only natural."

And then an alert popped up in Vivian's vision. Since it was the status window authority I'd granted her, I took a peek.

The smile at the corner of Vivian's mouth deepened. Even though it was power I'd bestowed, this autonomous status window authority was truly inscrutable. What was this affinity rise...?

As I stared at the authority manifesting as a blue alert window, a voice came from my third apostle once more.

"If ever you require the power of this mortal, please summon me at any time. I am your avatar, here to enact your will."

It sounded commendably dutiful. But from a transcendent's perspective, I noticed her eyes flicking toward the bonus stats increase. Well, bonus stats are irresistible, aren't they?

* * *

I felt the need to investigate Vivian's status window in more detail. I should at least grasp the authorities I'd granted my avatars. For Yuna, it was simple physical enhancement. For Beatrix, dimensional barrier penetration via summoning contracts. But Vivian's information-based authority was a bit more complex.

For starters, the ego attached to the status window definitely regulated my power in latent form, releasing it bit by bit according to Vivian's capabilities. It strengthened body and mind under the name bonus stats. And under the name quests, it subtly reinforced the dominant-subordinate dynamic between me and my avatar.

"If it's the distribution of ability values that can be raised under the term 'stats,' then I'm allocating them evenly across most abilities."

Raising all abilities? Normally, wouldn't spare bonus stats be held back? Or hoarded until a critical moment to boost specific values?

Her choice didn't make sense, so I asked, and her response came.

"The human body is far more fragile than you might imagine, Lord Constellation. The nervous system as well. The mind too."

Vivian explained how fragile the human body truly was. Even with sci-fi serums or cybernetic implants, fundamental limits persisted, and so on... I could understand, having once been human myself.

"Hoarding ability enhancements for a dramatic reversal in a pinch is the delusion of ordinary folk lacking research into these powers."

Vivian was right. Holding back spare stats wasn't some trump card for reversal. Could a child suddenly wielding an adult's strength control it well? Could an ordinary human abruptly turned avatar master their powers from the start?

Sudden ability expansion inevitably requires an adaptation period. Considering time to acclimate to Cosmic Power-enhanced abilities, balancing growth incrementally like Vivian did made sense.

"Hmph. Hmph. As expected of ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠a test from you. Only an entity with intellect as superior as mine would avoid the folly of skimping on ability enhancements."

As I tossed praise via constellation message, Vivian's tone perked up with evident smugness. It wasn't particularly a test...

While chatting with Vivian like this, federation public broadcast flowed in one corner of my vision.

Apparently, right after meeting me, she'd negotiated with the federation. A non-aggression ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠pact in exchange for improved AI treatment? Or maybe just superficial cooperation.

Vivian had heard the announcer's voice too. She glanced that way and nodded.

"...She didn't seem to like humans much. You must have persuaded the Endless Calculator, Lord Constellation."

Was just showing up and saying hi really persuasion?

* * *

GalaxyTube replay of the live broadcast. The real-time chat was updating nonstop, reactions heating up.

Even if federation civilians didn't know the Endless Calculator's full might, the Galactic Empire AI rebellion was etched in history. Ancient by mortal standards. A few showed unease, but no outright malice.

Vivian's words carried smugness, as if she herself were being revered. But I felt no displeasure. Having descended to the material realm for the chat with the Endless Calculator, my 'perspective' was greatly lowered. This much was endearingly cute.

"Many express gratitude that you're humanity-friendly, Lord Constellation. No need for the Federation to run a PR campaign."

PR campaign. Shaping maximally pro-constellation public opinion. Rallying the masses. Sure, maintaining a nation and solidarity might require that. Especially with alien constellation threats.

I wondered if Yuna and Beatrix, out hunting those threats, were safe. Hm. All doing well in their fleets. No alien constellation traces yet, but searches continued.

Anyway, the Federation was a bit safer now. Interfering in that dimension—specifically one galaxy—was tricky for me. Boosting human forces myself ensured avatar safety to some degree.

Last time trying to snag the planet with the world tree seed, 'her ladyship' intervened. Clearly, I'd miscalibrated and nearly yanked the whole galaxy. Even just generating gravitational pull remotely caused that mess. Fine control without some sacrifice seemed impossible...

Vivian's voice, laced with subtle superiority, snapped me from reverie.

"Hmmm. Unless one possesses chosen intellect like the rare few, no one realizes you're beyond Galaxy Spirit rank, Lord Constellation."

Chosen intellect in rare humans... More embarrassing than expected. Probably why Vivian drew envy—with talk like that.

"I eagerly await the day you reveal your true nature, Lord Constellation. The ignorant masses revere only the tip of the iceberg..."

Her impassive face continued self-praise. Habituation to constant constellation observation? My third avatar showed remarkable candor.

Yet she hadn't noticed she herself saw only the tip. Better she never did. Some knowledge is best unknown.

Even Shub, pinky-nail sized to me, far surpassed the next stage after Galaxy Spirit.

"Should you wish to reign over this model garden, summon me anytime, Lord Constellation. Publishing under 'Super Galaxy Spirit' would draw eyes."

Yeah... Better she thinks that way. Time to pay attention to this dimension too.