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'Star-shatterer' didn't mind much.
After all, the output power of a puppet wasn't high; a few pokes wouldn't hurt.
However, Madam Herta was indeed capricious, even the reason for her anger was strange.
"Well, not exactly…"
Faced with Herta's stance, 'Star-shatterer' was at a loss whether to cry or laugh.
She didn't know what to say.
Herta clicked her tongue, tilted her head, and walked inside:
"Follow me. Let's discuss your 'saint descending to the world' plan."
"What saint descending to the world?"
'Star-shatterer' laughed lightly at the comment, then followed her into the Space Station.
At the same time, she asked curiously:
"Speaking of which, I thought Madam Herta would have dismantled and rebuilt the whole place, considering I, the imposter, messed with it."
Herta glanced back and scoffed:
"At least you have some self-awareness. But while you're an imposter, the things you created are actually quite good. Dismantling everything would require me to spend effort rebuilding it myself. I might as well recycle the waste."
Although she wanted to grab the imposter's face and severely punish her just by looking at her,
Herta had to admit.
Whether it was the modifications to the Space Station, the AI Herta as the acting station master, or the establishment of the Space Station's systems and rules.
This person had done a decent job.
If Herta had done it herself, she would have been too lazy to invest one hundred percent of her energy into the reconstruction.
A casually devised plan would likely have ended up about the same as the current state.
So, anger aside,
Herta acknowledged her capability, which helped quell most of her anger.
This was why she had agreed to discuss the proposal 'Star-shatterer' presented.
Although it had initially angered her, it also seemed to suggest something interesting she could pursue.
...
Herta led 'Star-shatterer' into her office.
It was fortunate that the Herta Space Station was not yet at the densely populated stage it would be later.
So, no one along the way recognized that an Annihilation Gang Lord had arrived.
Stepping into Herta's office,
it hadn't changed much since she left.
The portraits of the Genius Society hadn't appeared yet.
"Start talking. What exactly do you want to do? This body of yours is fine for fighting, but it's probably not enough for research."
Herta didn't know much about the person before her.
But since this person hadn't displayed her ability when fighting Zhurong and Shuhu,
it likely meant that her abilities were not inherited when she impersonated someone else.
'Star-shatterer' pulled up a chair and sat down.
She stretched lazily, the form-fitting clothing outlining her attractive figure.
"It's not enough, indeed. But what if it were Ruan Mei?"
"You know… Oh, you plan to borrow Ruan Mei's face next."
Herta immediately understood.
If she could truly borrow Ruan Mei's abilities,
Herta wouldn't mind joining in on a big project.
Compared to the other reclusive geniuses, Herta was already one of the more proactive individuals in trying to connect with other geniuses.
Although she still preferred to conduct research by herself most of the time.
But when it came to interdisciplinary projects, that was a different matter.
'Star-shatterer' nodded:
"That's the plan, though the duration won't be long."
"But if it's Ruan Mei, your so-called bald guys that can patrol the universe should be manageable alone, imposter?"
Herta crossed her arms and looked at 'Star-shatterer' provocatively.
'Star-shatterer' wasn't annoyed and continued:
"True, if I only wanted to create such a species, I wouldn't need Madam Herta's assistance. But what I want is more than just a species."
'Star-shatterer' hadn't had a chance to tell Madam Herta her crazy idea on the phone yet.
Herta had simply told her to come for a meeting.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I want to alter the very concept of light in this universe. Like a Path, responding to those who are desperate and craving hope."
"…"
Herta fell silent immediately.
She stared intently at 'Star-shatterer' and understood what she was trying to achieve.
"Do you know what you're talking about?"
"I do. Imitating the concept of a Path, and artificially creating something similar. That's why I came to you. Of course, besides you, I also wanted to invite the real Ruan Mei, but unfortunately, I can't find her."
'Star-shatterer's unwavering attitude made Herta laugh.
"Heh heh Hahahaha Very good. I have to admit, imposter, you truly tempt me. I forgive you. Tell me your name, your real name."
Artificially creating something similar to a Path.
Heh heh~
Herta couldn't suppress the smile on her lips.
A Path, after all, was created by an individual walking a certain road.
And the being who carves out a Path ascends to the status of an Aeon.
If she really went through with artificially creating a pseudo-Path,
who knows, this pseudo-Path might even turn into a real Path.
At the very least, Herta felt that while the possibility might not be high, it wasn't zero.
What a bold and insane plan.
But she, Herta, loved plans like this.
This was what was worthy of a genius's name.
'Star-shatterer' looked at the suddenly excited Herta.
She smiled and said:
"Baiming. The 'Bai' from white, and the 'Ming' from calling out."
"Good. I will remember that name."
Herta nodded, then asked:
"When do we start?"
"Three days from now at the latest."
"Fine. I'll contact Ruan Mei and see if she's interested. I'm quite curious about what kind of sparks will fly when two Ruan Meis collaborate."
Madam Herta was intrigued.
Now that her anger had subsided,
Madam Herta actually felt like having Baiming impersonate her one more time,
so she could have an extended brainstorming session with herself.
But, cooperating with another genius first was also interesting.
"Then I hope she actually comes."
The Pursuit of a Grand Idea
'Star-shatterer' shrugged. It was clearly best if Ruan Mei joined, as that would eliminate worries about Emotional Value accumulation.
"Oh, right, I'm sending you an address, come directly here," Herta said, busy with some task, as she sent 'Star-shatterer' a star map address. "What is this?" "My current residence, Herta City. Your project isn't suitable for the Space Station."
Herta saw the Herta Space Station merely as a warehouse for her Curios collection. Small experiments or projects that wouldn't cause a massive commotion were fine. But Baiming's plan clearly fit neither description. The final experiment site might not even be in Herta City, but it certainly wouldn't be on the Space Station.
"You're actually inviting me to your home?" 'Star-shatterer' was genuinely shocked to hear "Herta City."
"What, afraid I'll catch you and lock you up for twenty thousand years? I genuinely want to do that. You have that kind of value," Herta stated, making no attempt to conceal her desire. In her eyes, Baiming was an entity that could become any genius in history. She couldn't even imagine how interesting the experience would be if she could truly converse and brainstorm with every single one of those departed geniuses.
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