"Why did Elysian Realm end like that? Why couldn't the Flame-Chasers have a proper conclusion?" Eden, holding a stack of scripts, sat in front of Welt.
Welt adjusted his glasses. "Miss Eden, while I'm the head of this production, I didn't write the script. If you have any questions, you can directly ask Su Chen."
"Sigh." Eden sighed. "I have a meeting with Miss Astra Yao this afternoon, so I might not have much time."
"I trust Boss Su Chen has his reasons. After all, the Flame-Chasers' story was witnessed by Mei, proving that in the web series Honkai Impact Third, someone bore witness!"
Eden's lips curved slightly, forcing a smile. "I know this story will stay with the audience. From a creative perspective, the story's structure has enough tension."
"Trust Su Chen. He said this story will surely make everyone see the beauty in the world."
"I just wonder if there's truly a parallel world where we make the same choices. I'm grateful that, despite similar experiences, we live in a safe world." Eden slowly walked toward the door. "Say, if Su Chen had personally gone through life-and-death farewells, beauty shattered, would he still write a script like this?"
"It's him, so it's hard to say."
Meanwhile.
At the Space Station, in Herta's office.
Knock knock knock…
Su Chen knocked on the door, but there was no response for a long time.
"Not working late on the Simulated Universe? Is she actually sleeping?"
Something's off!
Twelve out of ten, something's seriously off.
How could a workaholic like Herta abandon the fine tradition of staying late?
As Su Chen was still pondering, a voice came from inside: "Come in."
Su Chen frowned. The voice felt both familiar and strange.
Stepping into Herta's office, he rubbed his eyes, thinking he saw a taller Herta.
He scratched his head, trying to calm himself.
Why does she look different?
Could this be Big Herta?
Are Big Herta and Little Herta not the same person?
He thought it'd be like a nurturing game—how did she grow so much overnight?
Better be cautious.
"Who are you?"
Big Herta brushed aside the bangs covering her view. "You're Su Chen, right? Obviously, since I'm here, I'm Herta."
"No, wait. You used to look as underdeveloped as Silver Wolf. Why the sudden glow-up?"
"Heh." Big Herta sat down on a chair. "You're pretty amusing. I thought you'd figure it out right away. Care to guess?"
Su Chen clicked his tongue. Playing games now?
From a game perspective, this must be Big Herta.
But this world isn't quite like the game world. There are three Meis, so multiple Hertas aren't out of the question.
Instead of guessing, better make her say it.
"Sorry, I've got no reason to answer hypothetical questions."
Big Herta chuckled. "Such evasive wordplay, very you. By rights, I should tell you, but where's the answer without a riddle? The process of seeking knowledge is the most precious. Find the answer yourself."
Su Chen's mouth twitched.
Who's the boss here, me or you?
"Whatever. Why'd you call me over?"
"Glamoth's Embers. The game needs testing. We rushed it out too fast before, and it's got plenty of bugs. You're perfect for playtesting. No problem, right?" Big Herta pointed to a giant egg-like device nearby.
"Me? Are you kidding? With so many employees, why pick me to test the game?"
"Because you're miHoYo's ultimate protagonist. Is that reason enough? Or…" Big Herta slowly approached Su Chen. "Shall I give you a few more compelling reasons?"
"I can confirm, though your personalities are similar, you're definitely not the same as Little Herta."
To Su Chen, he could play this game anytime, anywhere. Why insist on playing it in the office?
He was about to leave, but then thought, since the night was boring anyway, playing his own VR game might be more fun than gaming with Silver Wolf.
"Ahem… Fine then. How long does the game take?"
"That depends on the person. Some cleared Black Myth in one day, while others, even with cheats, got stuck in chapter five. But with your smarts, clearing it shouldn't be an issue."
A sly smile curled on Big Herta's lips, completely unhidden.
"You're wondering why only you get to play? Because you're about to experience the authentic, uncut, exclusive beta version—not even available on the market yet. As miHoYo's founder, if you're not qualified, who is?"
Su Chen was already seated in the egg. "You're not even hiding your scheming, huh? Learned that from Jiaoqiu?
Besides, I created this game's story. It's like a developer entering their own program—you get what I mean, right? I'm invincible!"
"Of course. Remember what you said, and don't regret why you already know the story's ending." Big Herta pressed the start button. "Have a pleasant journey."
"Phew~"
Su Chen let out a long breath, feeling Big Herta's words carried a hidden meaning.
As the protagonist, how could he not do something to show off and slap faces?
He closed his eyes, diving into his gaming journey.
Meanwhile.
Big Herta glanced at the indicators. "All normal. You can come out and watch now."
As soon as she spoke, over a dozen people filed out from outside the office.
Among them were the Wise and Belle siblings, Sparkle, Stelle, March 7th, Firefly, Elysia, Eden, and other spectators ready for the drama.
Silver Wolf walked to the egg and kicked it. "Underdeveloped? Your whole family's underdeveloped!"
She then approached Big Herta. "Were you just throwing shade at me?"
"Do I need to throw shade at you?" Big Herta smiled, looking down at Silver Wolf, then pressed a button. A curtain slowly descended.
"The core concept is that this is a VR game. The screen will soon show Su Chen's first-person perspective, along with his heart rate. Any questions?"
Belle whispered to Wise, "Brother, is this a magic trick? Yesterday Herta was so tiny, and today she's so… statuesque?"
"This world's full of doppelgangers. Look at Kevin and Su Chen."
"Fair enough."
Suddenly, a pink hand shot up. March 7th stretched her arm high.
"I have a question."
Big Herta raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead."
"How'd you grow so much overnight? Did Ruan Mei's experiment succeed?"
"Sigh. Before you all get completely sidetracked, I'll tell you the truth. Herta is our family's title. All exceptional people can earn the title of Herta, but in the 'Big Herta' family, there's only one—me!" Big Herta flipped her palm outward, pointing at herself, exuding confidence.
"Oh!" March 7th nodded thoughtfully. "So you still didn't say why you got so big?"
Stelle quickly pulled March 7th down. "Dummy, you don't know? Just ask me."
"Huh? You know what's going on?"
"Ever heard of APTX4869? Maybe it's because Ruan Mei's been hanging out with Mobius lately. Probably took some drug to turn out like this."
March 7th's eyes sparkled. "You're so smart, Stelle!"
"Ahem." Big Herta coughed twice, too lazy to explain further. "The game's about to finish loading."
Firefly fidgeted with her skirt. "I wonder if Su Chen will be okay…"
"Don't worry♪" Elysia touched Firefly's cheek. "I'm so jealous of Su Chen, you're so worried about him♪"
Firefly's cheeks flushed red to her ears. "N-no, it's not like that."
"Oh♪" Elysia leaned closer to Firefly. "Blushing makes you even cuter♪"
Suddenly, the screen lit up. Everything had finished loading.
Su Chen's first-person perspective officially began.
"Why's the loading taking so long?" Su Chen slowly looked up, seeing himself seated at a round table with over a dozen people.
"Where is this?"
He looked around, noticing a massive screen in front of the table, filled with countless smaller screens.
An employee picked up a phone. "Hello? Requesting support? If it's not working, retreat!"
The next moment, a sharp explosion came through the receiver.
"Hiss…" The employee rubbed their ear. "Glamoth Republic star system designation—Kremin 041 has fallen."
Su Chen looked at the big screen. Sure enough, the screen marked 041 had gone static.
This is the Glamoth Republic?
Then where am I?
Could this be the parliament?
But.
By all accounts, shouldn't Glamoth already have the ability to deal with the remnants of Propagation?
"Everyone, you've seen it. We've lost another planet. No matter how vast Glamoth's territory is, it can't withstand the swarm's rampage. If we don't come up with a solution, the embers of the Swarm Disaster will swallow us whole!"
A heavy voice interrupted Su Chen's thoughts. He followed the sound.
At the head of the round table sat a man with white hair, exuding valor.
Su Chen nodded, pondering for a few seconds.
To sit in that position, his status must be high.
Since I'm in the game now, I must say, this VR game feels incredibly real!
By that logic, this is like a second transmigration.
So where's my cheat? My system?
[Ding~]
At that moment, time and space seemed to freeze.
[Congratulations, Host, you're about to unlock the system. But before that, I'd like to play a game with you.]
Su Chen squinted at the interface. "Silver Wolf, you're messing with me. Wait till I get out—I'll ban all your game accounts."
[Ahem~ Host, what are you talking about? I don't understand at all!]
[System binding successful. Keep playing.]
"Can't you give me a hint about what it does?"
[You can switch to the system at any time, and time and space will pause.]
[This system can enhance your combat ability, meaning you'll gain some self-preservation skills.]
[Now issuing the first task: Unlock "Glamoth Iron Cavalry."]
Su Chen snapped back to reality, blinking.
Unlock the Glamoth Iron Cavalry?
He realized something felt off.
At that moment, the white-haired man's piercing gaze fixed on Su Chen. "Dr. Su, please explain the Glamoth Iron Cavalry plan in detail."