Ruan Mei

A scholar of exquisite temperament, member #81 of the illustrious Genius Society, and an expert in the field of life sciences.

She earned Nous' attention with her talent and terrifying perseverance, and began her research on the origin of life in a secretive corner of the universe.

Subsequently, she was invited by Herta to collaborate with Screwllum and Stephen to develop the Simulated Universe.

Privately, she revels in traditional theater and desserts, and she is also very interested in embroidery.

During her childhood, she received early exposure to science from her mother, who was a "scientist."

Her life in a tiny house with her family of science enthusiasts was filled with love. As such, it wasn't long before she realized there were subtle differences in "love," each kind coming with different scents.

Her grandmother with silver hair was a fan of traditional theater with its humming and chirping, while her father wore a pair of large, furry boots.

Her parents loved each other, but they still argued from time to time.

She was an impassive girl who made mistakes all the time, but was also forgiven all the time.

"I was closer with Aunt Arlice compared to my other relatives, as she would buy me snacks. Her love was the best."

Soon, the young girl learned to be stubborn. Her understanding of "love" broke away from the formulae taught in textbooks.

As she grew older, her mother became strict with her. Together, they walked one step at a time on a vast glacial planet.

The girl gasped and stopped on the way, carefully observing the fantastical and enchanting "lifeforms" buried beneath the glaciers - What used to be lifeforms, at least.

Every time she arrived home after going on scientific expeditions, it was time for "rewards" —

When she took a small bite of the cake, the mouthwatering aroma would immediately cling to the roof of her mouth. Her insignificant anticipation always gave her mother's research an inviting smell.

Starting from their home, a planet blessed by Abundance, they boarded research aircraft and set off to more worlds.

Surrounded by flash bombs, silk headscarves, ribbons, and embroidery, the girl embraced joy amongst "lifeforms" created by spiraling and ascending data.

"A-Ruan, after eating Qingtuan, you must wash your fingers thoroughly before you can touch the lab bench."

She was dressed all in black in a mourning attire at her parents' funeral. As usual, she still tied her hair neatly. Her expression was hidden behind her ink-black strands of hair.

She did not shed a single tear.

As the night fell, layers of geometric patterns formed by data spirals appeared on the screen in the lab. They shifted, expanded, and flowed along with the sound of traditional theater songs. After peeling away the layers of the patterns, the secret she meticulously crafted and protected with care was revealed — her parents with their eyes closed. Their faces were as impassive as if they were asleep.

"This is a let-down. They failed to keep their promise with Grandma."

"And I, too, let them down for failing to protect them as promised."

"Only science... never lets anyone down," she said.

Wanting her parents to be equal, she stopped using her previous nickname and gave herself a new name by combining each of her parents' surnames.

Since then, whenever someone asked her about her "home," there would be a flash of confusion in her eyes. She seems to have forgotten everything.

In such a state, she started working around the clock on her calculations. She was so engrossed in her research that she never ate regularly. When she was on a roll, she could spend entire days and nights working on research without sleeping, and only dozed off when she hit her limit.

Soon, she was only relying on the faint glow of fyreflies to gather her research results every night. The more dismissive she was of the existing laws of life, the quicker she progressed. She totally disregarded formulas, then moved on to ignoring the meaning of life. She simply observed, assessed with her hands, held the data in her palm to feel it, then proceeded to concoct new laws for species.

As a result, the ferns and flowers in her lab flourished ever more. They grew at a speed visible to the human eye, and ultimately filled every space in the lab. In the space between the flowers and leaves lay the serene and emotionless countenances of her parents, formed by the aggregation of "data."

The moment her sleeping "parents" were about to open their eyes — By then, she had nearly destroyed the existing laws of biological evolution on the entire planet, yet she still marched on toward her goal.

It wasn't until she looked up from her research and stared at the sky did she notice that the gaze of the Erudition had descended upon her.

After receiving the gaze of Nous, she left her home and began a reclusive life.

No one knew what she asked Nous, but after that incident, she became even more apathetic and impassive, and even more immersed in her research — She would only study the fundamental nature of "life."

A greater variety of "lifeforms" came into existence through her concoction.

Some "burning" lifeforms became flowing flames that crept and weaved under her feet. Sometimes, she felt like she was fire itself.

Some "fluid" beings turned into liquid light that slithered around her slender wrists. Sometimes, she felt like she was light itself.

Some living things concocted from "knowledge" attempted to develop their own thoughts, sentience, and emotions. They sometimes rambunctiously cry, guffaw, or wail — all these have been fused into her body.

Yet, she could not feel them.

Life only exists for such a short time, after all. They fleetingly pass from birth to death, and her research is the only constant.

Occasionally, her casual "research" would shake the schools of biology. Her "research" transformed many planets. Flying whales, swimming deer, fearful flowers, and trees with a vast root system... Her creations have already went beyond the scope of experience and imaginations comprehensible to organic life.

She kept pushing herself for a more in-depth understanding of "life," just to bring herself closer to Nous — and THEIR unforgettable glance.

Aeons... What kind of beings are they? Are they also a form of life?

As her "groundbreaking" studies rose to fame within the cosmic academic community, people always tried to disrupt her life as a recluse.

She turned to look at the letter from the Genius Society on the desk and, once again, dumped it into the trashcan.

She is surrounded by an eccentric science fanatic from a small town, an inorganic lifeform, and a puppet girl. They indulge in afternoon teas and collaborate in research. They squabble loudly and giggle from time to time.

When did she first meet them? She can't remember, only that it was for a project. She was forced to be there — of that she is certain. With leisure, she munches on the cake. She became a part of this solely for the sake of simulated "Aeons," which are worth her time and efforts.

They are worth her time... but not worth being forced to socialize.

"Genius Society? I do not care."

"This is a strange, instinctive feeling. That one named 'Herta' is rather similar to me. I mean... similar on a deeper level."

She is certain that she won't make another mistake. It's because she no longer trusted anyone, so she won't be let down again, and... she won't let anyone else down again.

What is the fundamental essence of "life"... Where does "life" end?

Do the answers really exist?

Not a trace of emotion can be discerned on her impassive and silent face. Yet, her hair is roiling with the heat of boiling and steaming, and the rims of her eyes are slightly red — she is enjoying this.

Only the word "Aeon" can stir her heart. Everything else in the universe is a mere distraction.

How interesting.

On the "incubator," a "life" nurtured by the "rice cooker" popped out in perfection. The method with which life is created is miraculous.

How romantic.

She knows better than anyone the price one has to pay to study Aeons... but she does not care. She knows! She might even — become...!?

The time is just right — The update for the "project" is about to commence.

She turns around and leaves.

Unbeknownst to the girl, her grandmother has always been watching her through the monitor, day after day for countless years.

"A-Ruan... My A-Ruan. When we finally meet again, would it be...?"

First Meeting: My name is Ruan Mei. When saying my name, please don't run the syllables together.

Greeting: Want some pastry? The plums used in this recipe are freshly macerated — I waited in line for ages.

Parting: If you come across a good research sample, please let me know. Until then.

About Self: Origin: After catching the attention of Nous, I left my hometown and began my research on the origin of life in a secret corner of the universe... please don't ask where.

About Self: Name: In the grand fabric of life, both parents are equal, and thus my name combines the surnames of each of my parents.

Chat: Genius Society: You don't have to listen hard to hear the gossip coming from the Genius Society — Mad Scientist. I'll take it as a compliment.

Hobbies: Pastry Tasting: As one with a sensitive palate, I only need one small bite to judge the taste of a pastry. I favor seasonal ingredients such as fresh fruits, flowers, and herbs. Pristine slices of life preserved inside a pastry — these provide the best dopamine response food has to offer.

Hobbies: Opera: I've never been able to really get into modern music, but I find opera enchanting. Time passes like a river whenever I listen to the strings and voices in an opera performance.

Annoyances: Talking: The redundancy of words and the restrictions of verbal communication make for a lot of empty noise. It makes me sad...

Sharing: Embroidery Techniques: The feel of embroidery is similar to that of growing a culture in the laboratory — fine control of the wrist, just the right angle, and total commitment.

Knowledge: The Height of Life: We may accelerate or postpone the arrival of death, but life will always wither. Though we will one day all be reduced to particles, we can still reach new heights.

Knowledge: Rational Research: Humans overestimate the infallibility of logic, and in clinging to reason can become slaves to their emotions. Science is born from fanaticism — it is a gift.

About Herta: Some may find her personality unbearable — I can understand the sentiment, but I simply don't care. Of course, Herta knows this too, so I accepted her invitation.

About Screwllum: Screwllum and I have very different understandings of life, but I don't think he realizes it. Fortunately, our communication is limited to matters related to the Simulated Universe.

About Stephen: Put a watermelon parfait in Herta's office and Stephen is sure to show up. Remember, the pumpkin ones will never attract him — those are for warding him off.

About Fugue: She has simply proven once again that our understanding of the essence of life is still far from complete.

About The Herta: Her feedback is always sharp and brusque, especially when conversing face-to-face. However, I am never offended... We both know that every step taken beyond the boundaries of knowledge requires immense sacrifices.

Eidolon Activation: Can life's past moments truly be restored to what they once were?

Character Ascension: Research is progressing at astronomical speeds.

Max Level Reached: Unfortunately, the mystery of the Aeons remains unsolved.

Trace Activation: Every breath one takes is a perception of the self.

Added to Team With Trailblazer: It's you again, Trailblazer. As always, there's a reward for good behavior.

Added to Team With Herta: If this were the Simulated Universe, I'd be at your mercy — but this is real life.

Added to Team With Fugue: Always remember, don't let life leave you any regrets.

Added to Team With The Herta: We don't have many opportunities to fight alongside each other. Let's treasure this.

Battle Begins: Weakness Break: A picture of grace and elegance.

Battle Begins: Danger Alert: What do we have here?

Turn Begins 1: You hold some academic value, I suppose...

Turn Begins 2: There's more to life than drawing breath.

Turn Idling: Waiting means change.

Skill 1: Eternal melody.

Skill 2: All things are as one.

Basic Attack 1: You'll do.

Basic Attack 2: Pay attention.

Hit by Light Attack: Enjoying yourself?

Hit by Heavy Attack: Stay away.

Ultimate: Activate: Every petal in life's garden...

Ultimate: Unleash: Will be swept away... by the wind of time.

Downed: Still... unanswered...

Return to Battle: Let's continue.

Health Recovery: So, this is the warmth of life...

Technique: Sound lingers.

Battle Won: Life... a true marvel.

Treasure Opening 1: A few decorative designs wouldn't go amiss.

Treasure Opening 2: This might be of some use.

Precious Treasure Opening: Oh? Better than expected...

Successful Puzzle-Solving 1: They call this a puzzle?

Successful Puzzle-Solving 2: A simple solution — that's all it takes.

Enemy Target Found: Hmm? I wonder what that is?

Returning to Town: Take a rest. It's time for tea and cakes.