Screwllum had heard about Bai Ming from Herta.
So he also knew that the "other self" Celenova had been searching for all this time was actually the persona of Celenova that Bai Ming had played centuries ago.
And now, at this delicate moment...
It was only because of the authority override provided by 'Hertatomb' that their plan was able to advance so smoothly.
Receiving the news that Celenova was rushing here at this very moment…
It was hard not to be suspicious.
"Hypothesis: We cannot guarantee that Celenova's arrival is unrelated to Zandar. If he intends to counterattack, eliminating you first would be his optimal choice."
"Then wouldn't me leaving temporarily be playing right into his hands?"
Hearing this, Screwllum nodded.
"That is correct. However, the Lord Ravager arriving may not be Celenova alone. Madam Herta and I are only connected remotely. The only physical presences here are you and the other Madam Herta."
From a safety perspective, having 'Hertatomb' withdraw temporarily was a reasonable choice.
The inhabited planets in the star systems near Amphoreus had already been completely evacuated, thanks to the IPC's hyper-efficient work.
Even if Celenova came here with an army and raised hell, it wouldn't matter.
She was unlikely to tear Amphoreus itself apart.
The outpost fleets could simply tighten their formations and avoid direct confrontation.
Even if communications were truly severed, they didn't believe that the other Herta, who had already entered Amphoreus, would fail again.
With the permissions 'Hertatomb' had lent her, she could at least hold out until they reestablished contact.
And it was impossible for Celenova to actually station an army here long-term.
Heck, it was even debatable whether the one leading the troops here was an avatar or her true self.
Anyway, there was no need to force a fight over this.
"..."
'Hertatomb' felt a bit of regret, though.
She had originally wanted to see how many cycles Amphoreus would go through before breaking free from the Scepter's Restraint.
After she rewrote the rules of the cycles, Amphoreus's re-creations were no longer force triggered by world-ending disasters.
Instead, they were initiated to accumulate power to refute the calculations of the Emperor's Scepter, to overturn the birth of Irontomb.
Under these rules, each cycle added more weight to the 'Hope' within the Emperor's Scepter.
So, faced with such rules, how would the Twelve Titans, the chosen Chrysos Heirs, or the people of Amphoreus choose?
'Hertatomb' was looking forward to it.
Didn't she love tokusatsu precisely for this taste of 'human will'?
She had even planned to stay a while longer after her character card's playtime expired, just to watch.
But who would've thought Celenova would come with an army?
Others might not know, but she certainly did. Just look at how the Interastral Peace Corporation had been pestering her for the past few centuries.
If Celenova found out she was here, she might just turn into a full-blown yandere on the spot and start pestering her instead.
"You seem quite expectant of their performance? Yet you are willing to remain outside, providing support to the two Madam Hertas alongside me."
"If I do everything for them, how will they achieve self-evolution? Screwllum, do I really look like someone who spoils her own creations?"
'Hertatomb' gave Screwllum a helpless look.
While she wasn't a genius, and thus possessed more sensibility than geniuses, she certainly wasn't that extreme.
"My apologies. I merely wish to learn more about Lady Bai Ming. As Zandar said, I believe every genius aware of your existence would be curious about you."
"...Now I'm starting to believe Zandar's words more and more."
Geniuses are extensions of Nous's thoughts.
Their very existence represents a certain idea of Nous.
And now, three geniuses had told 'Hertatomb' point-blank that her existence itself made them curious.
Ruan Mei hadn't said it, but her attitude conveyed much the same meaning.
Add to that Polka Kakamond, who hadn't slacked off for centuries.
With so many geniuses showing this attitude, it made 'Hertatomb' think that Zandar's conjecture might actually have some truth to it.
"Thinking about it now... that inexplicable encounter I had with Dr. Primitive a while back, obtaining his research data... could that also be a result Nous wanted to see?"
"Such a possibility cannot be ruled out."
Hearing this, 'Hertatomb' shook her head.
She decided not to dwell on these matters.
Aeons were the type of beings who loved playing with concepts like eternal proof, transcending time, and toying with causality.
'Hertatomb' felt it was a bit presumptuous for her to try and comprehend the mind of an Aeon with her little brain.
It was enough to just focus on her own tasks.
"I'll go out and get a feel for Celenova's situation. Even though she's a Lord Ravager, it was never my intention for the Galaxy Rangers to feud with her for centuries. If the opportunity arises, resolving it might not be a bad thing."
To be honest, she never imagined the Galaxy Rangers would pester her for so many years.
The ring on her hand was a pretty distinctive feature, wasn't it?
And given their cooperation with the Land of Light, they must have discussed similar matters.
'Hertatomb' didn't believe the Galaxy Rangers failed to realize that the Celenova back then and the current Celenova were two different entities.
But the result was, they still pestered Celenova for centuries.
Who knows what was going through their minds.
"Remain vigilant regarding the Lord of Silence. Herta and I have confirmed she is still observing this area. Please exercise utmost caution."
"Thank you, I will."
Screwllum smiled and nodded, watching as Lady Bai Ming temporarily disconnected from the Emperor's Scepter.
--+--
Consciousness returned from within the Scepter.
As 'Hertatomb's' colossal form gradually distanced itself from Amphoreus, the massive Scepter that had been exposed was once again submerged by the entwining bands of light, fading from view.
'Hertatomb' turned, using the power of an Emanator to easily perceive the situation across the star system.
While various factions had sent people, the main forces were still the Land of Light and the Interastral Peace Corporation.
In fact, the IPC's fleet was slightly stronger.
Those large organizations centered on profit or civilization were mostly gathered on the Corporation's side, resulting in a rather grand scale.
Groups like the Knights of Beauty and the Galaxy Rangers, who gathered based on Paths, were mostly concentrated on the Land of Light's side.
As for The Family of Harmony, as a major universe power, they didn't respond to the call at all.
Only Penacony offered support, but their forces, combined with the Galaxy Rangers, didn't amount to much.
Better to head to the Land of Light side first to gather information.
'Hertatomb,' with her form and massive entourage of marionettes, approached the Land of Light's outpost.
The fleet, so characteristic of the Land of Light, didn't even attempt communication before opening their defensive perimeter, allowing 'Hertatomb' to proceed directly to the flagship.
This sight made the IPC person-in-charge's mouth corner twitch.
Even with Herta's endorsement, they felt there was more to the story.
After all, that thing's appearance looked anything but benevolent.
If even outsiders like them found it unsettling, didn't Madam Herta feel creeped out seeing that thing wearing her face?
And besides, these guys from the Land of Light, usually ready to fight at the slightest provocation, what were they playing at today, acting all nice?
Even with Herta's guarantee, letting someone in without even routine questioning?
Who were they putting on a show for!
Were they trying to poach talent from the Corporation?!
Herta's closeness with the Land of Light wasn't new; the Corporation had been worried sick for ages, afraid that one day Herta might happily announce she was joining the Land of Light and stop accepting Corporate sponsorship.
Seeing the Land of Light act this way now, the person in charge mentally cursed them out hundreds of times.
But in reality...
The person in charge on the Land of Light side had simply sensed the light of Nexus.
That was the aura of their Creator, impossible for anyone to imitate.
Ever since 'Hertatomb' arrived on the scene, the people of the Land of Light knew their 'Mother' had come personally to resolve the issue.
So of course they wouldn't show the slightest wariness toward her.
As for her unsettling appearance, their Land of Light never judged by looks, okay?
'Hertatomb,' controlling a more amiable-looking marionette, had just stepped onto the ship when she saw a giant with massive horns approaching head-on.
"Mother, Captain Ken of the Universe Security Corps, at your service."
"...No need for such formality while we're out."
Why did these Giants of Light always insist on calling her 'Mother' right off the bat?
They didn't address Herta or Ruan Mei that way.
Just what had those two been filling the Land of Light's heads with over the past few centuries?
But... this guy's appearance and name felt way too familiar.
"I've come to inquire about information regarding Celenova, and how the Galaxy Rangers plan to respond."
"Based on our projections, Celenova's marching route will not affect other civilizations this time. She is expected to arrive at Amphoreus within four system days. The conclusion we reached with the Corporation is to not actively provoke disputes. Resolving the Irontomb crisis takes absolute priority."
It was clear this was a conclusion reached after compromise by the Land of Light.
But the issue of insufficient manpower was truly unavoidable.
No one could blame them for that.
--+--