Meanwhile, Asta stared at Pei Guang's message, feeling a little guilty. "Is this really okay? Ah Guang is way too straightforward. He could've just asked me, and I would've helped, but he insisted on giving me something rare in return…"
Weapon effects weren't particularly rare in the vast universe. What was truly valuable was Pei Guang's custom effects—completely unrestricted by conventional limitations. As long as the effect matched the weapon type, it would work.
To put it simply, even a garbage bag could be fitted with a special weapon effect. Starships could have weapon effects too! The equipment of the Emanators could also be customized. If Pei Guang installed it, it would function without restrictions.
Nobody could resist making their weapon unique—especially Asta. As someone wealthy, she loved exclusive, one-of-a-kind items.
To Pei Guang, these enhancements were nothing special, but to Asta, they were priceless treasures. If she ever had to return home for some formal occasion, bringing a uniquely modified weapon would be a status symbol. A luxury. Something to show off.
I have it, and you don't—that's the difference in standing.
So, both Pei Guang and Asta felt like they had gotten the better deal. At the same time, they both worried about the other getting the short end of the stick and considered ways to make up for the perceived "loss."
Once Asta accepted Pei Guang's request, she immediately thought of someone and reached out to them.
Asta: "Topaz~~~"
At the Interastral Peace Corporation, Topaz had just accepted a new "debt collection" mission when she saw Asta's message. She quickly replied:
Topaz: "I'm here. What's up? It's rare for you to contact me."
Asta: "Are you busy lately?"
Topaz: "Just took on a new job. My next stop is Jarilo-VI~ Pretty close to your space station. Once I'm done, I'll drop by to visit you~"
Asta and Topaz had a good relationship. They had even planned to rent a spaceship together and chat about company gossip while stargazing. But, well… their schedules had never lined up.
Seeing this message, Asta paused for a moment, rubbed her eyes, and then directly called Topaz.
As soon as the call connected, Topaz answered in her usual cheerful tone, "Hey~ What's up? How come you suddenly have time to call me today?"
Asta: "Topaz! You're heading to Jarilo-VI next, right? That planet has a city called Belobog, doesn't it?"
Topaz glanced at the intel in her hand and responded, "That's right~ A city that just recently escaped the Stellaron crisis. Is there something wrong with it?"
Asta: "Yes, there's a big problem! Who assigned you this job?"
Topaz: "I saw a debt collection request and just picked it up casually…"
Hearing the tension in Asta's voice, Topaz immediately realized that this job was a trap. When she first read about the planet, she assumed it was just another dying world, like many she had dealt with before.
However, from what little she knew, the Nameless had been there and resolved some of the crises. Beyond that, she wasn't privy to more details.
As a member of the Interastral Peace Corporation, Topaz also believed in the Amber Lord. But unfortunately, her rank wasn't high enough to know everything. When she saw this planet listed, she had simply accepted the assignment.
But now, hearing Asta's tone, she was certain—this planet had problems. Big problems. Problems so huge that even Asta was personally warning her.
After a brief silence, Asta finally spoke again. "Topaz, I just received a request myself. There's a Trailblazer in Belobog named Pei Guang who sent me a commission. He wants to hold a festival celebration in the city. Since you're heading there anyway, can I leave this festival event in your hands?"
Topaz: "…"
Hearing no immediate response, Asta continued, "Please, whatever you do, don't use the company's usual methods on him. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you more. As for Belobog's debt… Hmm… Just handle it however you want, but when it comes time for collection, find an excuse to write it off. I'll cover the amount myself. It's not much anyway."
Topaz: "…"
Topaz didn't know what to say. Is this what they call being ridiculously rich? The amount in question would take a serious chunk out of her own finances, yet for Asta, it was apparently just pocket change.
After a long silence, Topaz finally responded in a relaxed tone, "Alright, I understand now. If you're specifically warning me about him, then he must be someone special. I'll be careful. But seriously, what's his deal?"
Asta pondered for a while, struggling to find the right words before finally squeezing out a response: "He holds an Amber Lord Emanator…"
Yes, in terms of status and influence, the golden trash can Pei Guang possessed had already reached the level of an Emanator.
Joke of the century—a sentient-less trash can is a Preservation Emanator! Its unwavering resolve in protecting its domain was so absolute that even Qlipoth Itself would have to acknowledge it.
Though the trash can wasn't technically an Emanator, the power of the Preservation Path within it had undeniably reached that level—possibly even surpassing some actual Emanators in sheer unwavering determination.
Frankly, if Qlipoth ever went astray, it wouldn't be impossible for the Preservation Aeon to turn into a trash can instead. But as things stood, that was unlikely to happen.
If there was any flaw in this situation, it was that the trash can had no consciousness—it was, after all, just a trash can.
However, the Aeon of Elation, Aha, found this situation incredibly amusing. If Aha ever figured out what was really going on, it wouldn't be surprising if the Genius Society suddenly gained a trash can as one of its members.
So while this trash can could technically be considered an Emanator, the problem was… it belonged to Pei Guang. Which meant, by extension, Pei Guang had control over a Preservation Emanator.
Four-rounding the logic, that wasn't an issue, right?