"The Divergent Universe is functioning perfectly, and the theoretical calculations are flawless."
"But we still need to run practical experiments with a test subject."
Standing before the Divergent Universe aboard the Radiant Feldspar, Herta observed the phenomenon for a moment before delivering her conclusion.
"Hey, didn't that... what's-her-name used to be on Penacony?"
"Perfect! We can just call her over for the test."
Realizing the Astral Express might also be on Penacony, her eyes lit up with excitement.
"Her name isn't 'what's-her-name,'" Lumina interjected, giving Herta a speechless glance. "She has a name."
"Whatever," Herta shrugged, unfazed. "A name is just a label. As long as it identifies someone, that's all that matters."
"See? You immediately knew who I was talking about, didn't you?" Herta shrugged, unfazed by the correction.
Isn't a name just proof of identification? If it works, why fuss over the details?
Lumina shook her head gently, then winked at Herta, sending a playful wink. "That's different. I knew who you meant because we're connected—others wouldn't understand."
"If you understand, that's all that matters. What do I care if anyone else can?" Herta tossed her hair dismissively, still unfazed, and continued, "What about that... what's-her-name? Where is she now? Is she free?"
"Forget it. I might as well ask her myself."
The moment the question left her lips, Herta shook her head, pulled out her phone, and sent Stelle a message:
[Herta: Come to the Radiant Feldspar.]
Simple, concise, and utterly characteristic of Madam Herta.
But...
"Do you even realize what you're saying?" Lumina couldn't help but twitch at the corner of her mouth as she witnessed Herta send the message.
No time, no specific location, no mission details. If Lumina were Stelle, she wouldn't even bother responding and would immediately block and delete Herta.
Well, at least there's a vague location.
"Hmm... you're right," Herta conceded, glancing at the chat interface on her phone. Lumina's point made perfect sense.
The supremely intelligent Madam Herta, for once, heeded Lumina's advice. Her slender fingers tapped rapidly on the screen, adding another message:
[Herta: The Radiant Feldspar is hovering above Penacony. Figure out how to get up here yourself.]
"Alright, that's detailed enough." After sending the message, Herta nodded in satisfaction, then flashed Lumina a look that said, Trust me, I've got this.
Lumina: ...
Rendered speechless by Herta's actions, Lumina's lips twitched uncontrollably as she struggled to find the right words.
After a long pause, Lumina's cherry lips parted slowly, and she murmured, "Mmm... very detailed."
What else could Lumina say when Herta had gone this far?
Besides doting on her and indulging her every whim, was there any other way?
Lumina shook her head inwardly in resignation. How could such a brilliant genius suddenly turn into a fool?
The thought brought another sigh of resignation to Lumina's lips as she gazed at Herta with a hint of concern.
"What are you staring at?" Sensing Lumina's worried gaze, Herta frowned. Is this idiot about to do something stupid again?
"Uhm! I-I'm sorry! My bad!"
Hearing this, as the elder sister, Lumina naturally wanted to offer her boundless care and warmth.
Thus, she chose to apologize immediately.
Herta: ?
"Why hasn't she replied yet? Did something happen?"
Some time later, Herta checked her phone again, only to find Stelle still hadn't responded. She grew increasingly puzzled.
Stelle usually replied almost instantly to her messages. Why was she taking so long this time?
Has she run into danger?
"Don't worry," Lumina said with a gentle smile, sensing Herta's concern. "There's no real danger in Penacony's Sweet Dream. How could Stelle possibly be in trouble?"
"Are you sure?" Herta shot Lumina a skeptical look.
If you'd said there was no death in Penacony's Sweet Dream, I might believe you. But claiming there's no danger? That's absurd.
Based on what Herta had observed so far, danger lurked everywhere in Penacony.
Well... for that someone-or-other... oh, right, for Stelle, Penacony is definitely full of danger.
"For me, Penacony is perfectly safe," Lumina replied with a serene smile.
A mere Ena's Dream? I could stand still and let it try to break my defenses—how could it possibly be a threat?
"Hmph." Herta rolled her eyes in exasperation, dismissing Lumina with a wave of her hand. She found a random spot in the area and settled down.
After all, since there was no Death in Penacony's Sweet Dream, she didn't need to worry about Stelle or the Astral Express facing any real harm.
"Just a little danger—perfect for the Astral Express to get some practice in."
As for now, the Divergent Universe lacks testers and can't proceed, but Herta isn't in a rush.
"Oh, right! What about that grand spectacle you mentioned earlier? Where is it?"
Sitting on the sofa, Herta suddenly remembered something Lumina had said earlier and asked curiously.
A spectacle that Lumina herself considered remarkable must be truly extraordinary.
Though Herta isn't a Pathstrider of The Elation nor one of those "troll" types who revel in others' misfortune, she's still willing to witness a good show when one's about to begin.
"Hmm... judging by the timing, it should be starting soon," Lumina replied, sensing the gathering energies.
3... 2... 1...
She silently counted down in her mind. As the countdown ended, a suffocating presence swept across all of Penacony.
"Hmm? This energy... that blond brat?" Herta's expression remained utterly unfazed, as if it were a trivial matter.
"!"
"This aura..."
But in the next moment, the emergence of another aura caused a violent shift in Herta's previously serene expression...