In terms of sheer duration, Robin was the identity she had inhabited the longest. After all, when a new persona manifested, it wasn't a replacement but a coexistence, making her original identity inherently the most enduring.
Yet, the identity that had left the deepest mark on her was undoubtedly Elysia, having thoroughly permeated her very essence.
After a moment, perhaps realizing the insignificance of his own petty secrets compared to Herta's vast knowledge, Martin sighed. "Madam Herta, please come with me."
Guided by Martin, they quickly descended into the basement of the Secret Keepers Headquarters. The three above-ground floors housed ordinary facilities, while this hidden basement concealed clandestine experiments—a setup rife with déjà vu.
After several turns through a labyrinthine corridor, a pristine white chamber came into view. At its center writhed a pulsating mass of flesh.
It was a fragment from a Familiar of the Flesh God. As Martin explained, Herta finally grasped the true nature of this world's so-called "secret weapon."
For the people of this world, the Flesh God was naturally the most powerful being they had ever encountered. Consequently, their research focused on finding ways to harness the Evil God's power to defeat them.
Some particularly fanatical cultists, deeply influenced by the Evil Gods, had gained extraordinary abilities. The cult leader from that small town, for example, had transformed his arm into a massive, fleshy tumor. These individuals were collectively referred to by the Secret Keepers as the "Corrupted."
The very words "super soldier" and "super warrior" sparked envy. Soon, the Secret Keepers began experimenting extensively, including directly implanting flesh from the Evil God's Familiars into ordinary human bodies.
Hearing this, Herta couldn't help but wear an utterly speechless expression. But for the people of this world, they had no other choice.
Finally, after countless sacrifices and the deaths of untold numbers, the Secret Keepers actually succeeded. Some Secret Keepers with unwavering willpower could implant minute amounts of flesh through specific methods, granting them immense power. However, these individuals would also periodically hear strange voices in their minds, relentlessly eroding their resolve.
If the Secret Keepers could hold on, everything would be fine. But if they ever broke, these experimented-upon individuals would instantly lose their minds and transform into monsters. This was precisely why the secret had to be kept hidden; the panic would be unimaginable if ordinary people knew their protectors could turn into monsters at any moment.
In short, this world's weapons remained stuck in the flintlock rifle era because all its research points had been invested in biological advancements.
After staring at the mass of flesh before her for a few moments, Herta suddenly said, "While biology isn't exactly my forte, would you like me to help you refine this thing while I'm here?"
Of course, when Herta said she wasn't "particularly skilled in biology," she meant compared to other geniuses. Compared to Ruan Mei, she certainly wasn't an expert, but compared to ordinary people, Herta was still an absolute genius.
Martin blinked in surprise. "R-refine it?"
Ignoring him, Herta continued, "Also, arrange for a larger residence for me. I'll likely be staying here for a while, until I deal with that Evil God."
To be more precise, Herta's primary objective was the Dimensional Rift in the sky; the Flesh God of Africa was merely a secondary concern.
Upon hearing this, Martin's face was a mask of utter shock. "Ah... ah?"
Ever since learning that Herta's Creations could instantly annihilate the Evil God's Familiars, Martin had clung to the hope that she might be humanity's only chance against the Evil God. Throughout their journey back, he had subtly probed her views on the Evil God, inquired about her likes and dislikes, and offered his assistance in any way possible.
In short, he had been trying to curry favor so he could later ask for her help.
But now, Herta casually mentioned, almost as an afterthought, that she intended to eliminate the Evil God. Instead of joy, Martin felt an overwhelming sense of unreality.
I haven't even offered her anything yet. Why would she agree so readily? After a moment of stunned silence, he stammered, "Th-then... what would we have to give in return?"
Herta raised an eyebrow. "Give in return? Nothing at all."
After all, this world held nothing of value for her.
Before Martin could respond, Herta added, "You don't need to feel indebted. I wanted to do this, so I did. Helping you has nothing to do with you."
Her words nearly shattered Martin's worldview. Stunned, he repeated, "Helping us... has nothing to do with us...?"
Until that moment, Martin's mind had been filled with thoughts of "quid pro quo." Like most people, he believed there were no free lunches in the world; every gain required a sacrifice.
But now, that belief lay in ruins. Martin suddenly realized that the calamities facing their world likely meant nothing to this Witch. Her help was truly given on a whim.
It was like two ant colonies fighting over a tiny crumb of bread that had fallen to the ground, engaging in schemes, bartering, and even mutual slaughter. But if a human happened to pass by, she might casually toss down an entire moldy loaf she didn't want, simply because it amused her, or pour water into both ant nests out of curiosity.
Martin suddenly understood: he was the ant, and Miss Witch was the passing human. To their world, she was practically a god!
Martin worked efficiently, quickly securing a spacious new residence for Herta. He bowed respectfully and said, "If you require anything, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'll arrange for personnel to stand guard outside around the clock."
Herta waved dismissively, entered the house, and immediately instructed Elysia of White Eagle in the Main World to send over a dozen puppets.
Soon, the once-empty rooms were filled with Little Hertas, including some specially crafted, fist-sized versions that floated in the air.
While the puppets cleaned and renovated the space, Herta retrieved the Key and resumed her research.