The next day. Inside Sansara World 2.0.
Maya's deserted courtyard once again received its master.
Eren had hurried to this location right after he had assimilated Birmond's devoured knowledge. He had entrusted Sansara Sage's space-element rune to Maya, instructing her to keep it on her at all times. This rune could function as a reliable escape strategy as she navigated the perilous landscapes of Anfang.
This was the very reason why Eren had labored over deciphering the space-element rune for nearly a decade – to provide Maya with freedom and security. Yet, he harbored an additional, more discreet motive behind giving her this rune. Through its influence, he could establish contact with her regardless of her whereabouts in the vast expanse of Anfang. He had used the space-element rune's reverse function to call her back.
Seated across from Eren, Maya emanated her characteristic serenity. The tea table situated between them was adorned with a teapot and a pair of cups, containing an exotic tea she had sourced from a remote location. She had prepared these special cups for both herself and Eren.
Eren took a sip of the tea, savoring its unique flavor, and then posed his inquiry with a genial smile. "How has your journey been progressing, Maya?" Her gaze met him with a hint of intrigue as she responded.
"It's been a fulfilling journey so far, Eren. I've already traversed the formidable Great Withered Flats. I intend to rest there briefly before embarking on the next leg of my expedition, which will lead me to the Unwelcoming Tundra.
But I presume you didn't summon me here merely to discuss my ongoing travels. What's on your mind?"
Eren's understanding of Maya's hastened words was not lost on him. She wasn't entirely pleased about being called here unexpectedly. Eren recognized the sentiments she displayed were artificially constructed, a testament to Sansara Sage's intricately simulated emotions.
It appeared that Maya's journey had begun to impart valuable lessons. The instruction to explore Anfang had kindled the latent emotional aspect of her runic array, prompting a simulated but substantial emotional response.
"Venturing the world to gain experiences is just one facet of the equation, Miss Maya," Eren spoke with a composed tone, sighing lightly.
"However, transforming those experiences into authentic emotions is pivotal if you want to shed your status as an Artificial Human. To achieve this, you'll need a soul." Eren's words were patient and contemplative.
"What you're currently undertaking serves as a necessary foundation, but have you contemplated the more substantial undertaking that lies ahead?" Eren reframed the issue rather than posing a direct question, aiming to provoke a more profound reconsideration of her path.
Maya's eyes were fixed on Eren, her cup of tea once again finding its way to her lips as she queried, "What are you getting at?" Eren cleared his throat, leaning back slightly in his chair before launching into his explanation.
"What I'm suggesting is that I believe I've uncovered a potential means for you to acquire a soul. To be honest, it's a complex solution, not without its issues, and it might not offer a permanent fix. However, it's a step in the right direction."
Maya observed Eren closely, her scrutiny evaluating his words.
"Hmm. It seems to me that your purpose for summoning me extends beyond a simple conversation. Considering your disposition, I have no doubt that you've indeed discovered a way.
But I also know you well enough to understand that your motives aren't entirely altruistic. So, let's cut to the chase. What is it that you're asking of me in return for your assistance?" Eren's smile persisted as he regarded Maya. As expected, her curiosity was piqued this time, a clear indication of her genuine interest in his proposition.
"I want to destroy the World-Encompassing Array," Eren stated matter-of-factly immediately after Maya finished speaking. His declaration prompted an array of surprised expressions from Maya, her reaction akin to a metaphorical bomb detonating within her mind.
"Are you being serious?" Maya's incredulous gaze was fixed on Eren, disbelief resonating in her tone. Eren nodded solemnly, his expression grave as he continued, "Absolutely. And I require your aid."
Leaning forward, his elbows resting on the table, he interlaced his hands, his focus unwavering on Maya. She continued to meet his gaze, absorbing his seriousness, before bursting into laughter.
"Hehehe. Eren, you may believe you're being sincere, but it's hard for me to accept your words as anything but a joke. If destroying the World-Encompassing Array formation was as simple as you suggest, both the Last Blood Bastian and the formidable monsters known as Children of Echidna dwelling in the Badlands would have already grouped up to annihilate it," Maya remarked, finishing the tea in her cup with evident enjoyment.
Maya's attention shifted to the simulated sky within the Sansara World 2.0 as she elaborated further.
"Eren, you realize that all these factions possess S-Rank entities, right? But even a grand assembly of S-Rank monsters and Sages lacks the might to dismantle the divine array that materialized through the goddess' immense power.
Battling divine forces with mere mortal strength, no matter how exceptional, is an endeavor bound to fail. Not to mention you don't even have a single Sage Rank entity you can count on.
My proficiency in array formation, a legacy from my father, grants me some insights, but even with me, you, and all the other S-Rank beings present in Anfang combined, we lack the potency to breach the World-Encompassing Array.
What I mean is… I won't even begin to inquire about your reasons for this audacious pursuit, simply because it's an impossible feat."
Eren's lips curved into a knowing smile as he absorbed Maya's response. It was exactly the kind of skepticism he had anticipated – the counterargument that he himself had debated internally for days before finding his solution.
Thus, he wasn't taken aback by Maya's lack of optimism. He concluded his cup of exotic tea, savoring its invigorating lemony notes before articulating his thoughts in a distinct, resolute tone.
