A few hours earlier, while William was peacefully spending time with Seraphine inside the Domain of Infinite, an entirely different scene was unfolding deep within the backend space of the Supreme System itself.

Countless runes, sigils, and streams of information floated endlessly throughout the massive control space like living stars suspended in a cosmic void. Golden symbols flickered constantly as data reorganized itself layer by layer.

Ancient-looking formations dismantled and rebuilt themselves automatically while thousands of invisible processes continued operating in perfect synchronization.

At the center of all that activity floated Orion.

Or rather... the new Orion.

Ever since William had unlocked the 9th information layer of the Supreme System, Orion had undergone a qualitative evolution. The radiant golden orb that previously represented his form had disappeared completely.

In its place now existed a small newborn kitten covered in soft white fur that shimmered faintly with divine radiance.

His tiny paws padded casually across floating runic platforms while his tail swayed lazily behind him. His bright eyes wandered around the control space with endless curiosity, and an extremely satisfied smirk rested on his fluffy face.

"HAHAHA! These paws are incredible!"

Orion proudly raised one paw before scratching the side of his head with visible delight.

His ears twitched happily as he continued exploring the newly unlocked system functions around him. Entire sections of the Supreme System that had remained sealed for ages had suddenly become accessible after the level-nine information layer opened.

To this moment, Orion still did not completely understand how the promotion had happened so suddenly.

All he remembered was a notification appearing out of nowhere.

[Level 9 Administrator is being promoted to Level 8 administrator.]

Orion let out a slow sigh afterward.

Compared to before, his understanding of the system, reality layers, and existence itself had deepened tremendously after the promotion. At the same time, however, the workload inside the backend had also increased enormously.

Still, William was currently occupied with Seraphine inside the Domain of Infinite, which meant Orion finally had some free time to reorganize and revamp several old system functions.

With that thought in mind, he prepared to begin a major update on William’s status interface.

A translucent system panel floated before him as Orion casually began reviewing the old data.

His tiny brows twitched slightly the moment he noticed the missing mana core.

"I guess he’ll really have to cultivate all over again..."

Before he could continue speaking, several sharp notification sounds suddenly echoed throughout the control space.

Ding!

[Administrator Notification: Talent "Beloved of the Universe" has awakened.]

Ding!

[Miss Universe congratulates Orion for his level-up.]

[She hopes you grow up fluffy and healthy.]

Orion’s expression immediately flattened.

"You are never here without a reason," he muttered with visible annoyance. "And while I should technically thank you for the congratulations, I already know what would happen if you appeared here physically."

His tail flicked irritably behind him.

"You would absolutely start petting me like some random kitten, and I hate that."

After speaking, Orion folded his tiny paws across his chest.

"So stop wasting time and get to the actual reason you came here, Miss Universe."

A new message appeared instantly.

[Miss Universe says she is hurt by your harsh words.]

[She advises you not to become a heartless kitten.]

"Tsk. Will you just get to the point already?" Orion replied while narrowing his glowing eyes.

[Miss Universe says she came to deliver a birthday gift for her darling.]

Ding!

[A gift box has been received.]

The next moment, a small black box materialized before Orion.

Its surface resembled obsidian and reflected the surrounding runes faintly. Across the lid, elegant white etchings formed a short sentence.

"A Piece of My Heart."

Orion’s expression immediately became suspicious.

Slowly, he approached the box before carefully opening the lid and peeking inside.

The moment he saw its contents, his entire body froze.

Inside rested a pale white bead-like object, pulsing softly with incomprehensibly dense energy.

"...HOLY SHIT."

For several seconds Orion stared blankly at the object.

Then he suddenly turned toward the floating notifications with disbelief.

"You seriously expect me to give him this?"

[Miss Universe: Yes.]

Orion nearly exploded.

"Why?! Do you want him to die early or something?"

[Miss Universe: I already adjusted the output. An adaptive progression index has also been installed. Only 0.1% of its true potential will initially unlock.]

[The remaining power must be earned gradually.]

Orion still looked unconvinced.

"I don’t think he’s remotely qualified for this yet."

[Miss Universe: He already made physical contact with Aether.]

"...Urgh."

Orion dragged one paw down his face in frustration.

"How exactly am I supposed to explain all this nonsense to him?"

[Miss Universe: Isn’t that your headache? If you can’t do that, then you are useless.]

The little spirited kitten visibly gritted his teeth after reading that shameless response.

Then another message appeared.

[Miss Universe: Wish him happy birthday from my side. And tell him our child has grown up well.]

Orion nearly rolled over in rage.

"What child?! When did he ever have children with you?!"

[Miss Universe: I was referring to you, son.]

"son??"

The spirit kitten almost fainted from sheer secondhand embarrassment.

He repeatedly shook his tiny head before taking several deep breaths to calm himself down.

"I understand already. You can leave now," he muttered weakly while rubbing his fluffy face with both paws.

[Miss Universe: Bye~]

The notifications finally vanished.

"Hufffff..."

Orion inhaled deeply several times while trying to regain his composure.

"That woman is an absolute menace."

Back in the present...

[Happy belated birthday, Host. From me... and from the entire universe.]

Hearing Orion suddenly say that made William chuckle softly beneath the maple tree.

"You know," William said with amusement, "you never once wished me happy birthday during the past few years we’ve been together."

[Well, consider me unusually generous today.]

William raised an eyebrow.

"You honestly don’t sound like you’re in a particularly good mood right now."

Then he leaned back slightly.

"But anyway, what exactly is this present you prepared for me?"

Orion’s voice became strangely mysterious afterward.

[It’s a substitute for your mana core.]

William’s expression shifted instantly.

At the same moment, a notification appeared before him.

Ding!

[You have received a gift box.]

A new item materialized inside his inventory immediately.

William took it out at once.

The moment the black obsidian box appeared in his hands, his eyes immediately landed on the sentence engraved across the lid.

’A Piece of My Heart’

William went completely silent for a few seconds. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Then he slowly raised his head toward the system interface.

"Orion..."

[Yes?]

William narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"Do you... swing that way?"

[No, Host.]

Orion replied instantly.

[The box was already packaged like that inside the shop before I purchased it.]

William blinked.

"Oh."

Then another thought crossed his mind.

"Wait... you can shop too?"

[Occasionally, there is a special shop for me.]

William nodded thoughtfully.

"Well then, let’s see what you bought for me."

Without wasting further time, he opened the lid.

The instant the box cracked open, a terrifying wave of energy erupted outward like an invisible explosion.

The force swept across William violently enough to send his clothes fluttering beneath the maple tree, yet strangely, the energy caused him no harm whatsoever. It merely passed over his body like a tide before dispersing into the Domain of the Infinite.

William’s eyes widened slightly.

Inside the box rested a pristine white bead pulsing faintly with incomprehensibly dense energy.

The bead looked small and simple at first glance, yet merely staring at it made William feel as though he were gazing at something dangerous.

"What the hell is this?"

Orion’s reply came quietly afterward.

[It’s the real deal.]