"I see, as expected of you."
Inside Herta's office.
Ruan Mei was looking at an experimental report in front of her.
It detailed the process and analysis of how Herta had manipulated the timing to make Yu Ling release new content.
"If I remember correctly, when praising someone, you should look them in the eyes, right?"
Herta brushed the hair over her shoulder and said with a smile.
Clearly, she didn't care much for verbal praise or flattery.
Sharing this experimental result with Ruan Mei was purely because she could understand it and appreciate what had been accomplished.
Ruan Mei glanced at Herta.
A faint glimmer seemed to flash in her pupils.
"I'm now even more curious... about the content of this short film."
Ruan Mei recalled when she became a playable character in Honkai: Star Rail, Yu Ling had also released a short film.
Titled Transcendent Ruan Tunes, Blushing Mei Blooms.
It depicted memories related to her writing letters to her mother.
From her research in the uninhabited lands of childhood to her later understanding of life...
Within just a few short minutes,
it fully showcased the transformation of her philosophy.
It even hinted at her future research directions.
And there was one line in it.
That to this day, she finds unparalleled.
It was the best interpretation of herself—
"I explore the mysteries of the universe, I seek answers deeper than human nature."
"I have nothing left to lose, nor anything left to gain."
"If life can be cultivated, reorganized, and recreated..."
"Then memories can be dissected, balance regulated, The Beauty deconstructed, and The Permanence recreated..."
"I will understand life, touch upon concepts..."
Now.
It was Herta's turn to reach this stage.
Would her short film express a similar philosophy?
"Then let's watch it together."
Herta casually swiped.
The video began to play.
When they saw Herta herself waking up in bed and scrolling through her phone notifications,
both of their expressions shifted slightly.
This seems...
a bit off?
Herta's gaze darkened slightly.
"Shouldn't it be like Ruan Mei's short film, elaborating on relevant scientific philosophies and personal pursuits?"
"Why is it exposing my daily life?"
Among the notifications on the phone, one was about Ruan Mei's failed experiment.
Noticing this,
Herta immediately understood!
It seems,
the important content is still to come.
Let's keep watching.
...
The notification was tapped open.
[Rational Discussion: Did the team leader's burden hang again?]
[I have some insider information.]
[Ruan Mei's research seems to have failed again...]
[Although... this kind of bizarre life-snow research seems to contradict the humanism of science...]
[Naturally... we shouldn't meddle in the affairs of geniuses...]
[Of course... as the old saying goes, three strikes and you're out, but the Genius Society's failure literature has revitalized our team...]
Seeing this content, Herta smiled slightly.
She immediately got out of bed.
"It seems progress isn't going well."
"Now I have to prepare a big gift, don't I?"
"Let's go."
"Remember to bring me that new magic book."
Wearing loose pajamas, she walked out of the bedroom.
Behind her,
three Herta dolls specifically responsible for grooming immediately got to work.
One combed her hair,
another straightened her collar,
and the third fetched her clothes.
Clearly divided, simple and efficient!
...
"Having doll assistants is really great!"
"So many little Hertas!"
"Wasteful, so wasteful! Give me four Herta dolls, and I can crush all Pure Fiction!"
"Ruan Mei's experiment failed, and she looks downright gleeful."
"There was even a portrait of herself in the room earlier—how narcissistic can you get..."
"Is there a problem? I'm just asking you, is she pretty or not?"
...
For the two of them, most of the comments were too low-level and nonsensical.
They automatically filtered them out.
Arriving at the carpet in the room,
Herta gently pressed on her cane.
The carpet suddenly sprang to life, carrying Herta and three puppets as it instantly flew away!
Zipping through the castle.
Along the way.
Herta even transformed, changing into her formal gown!
A slight smile revealed her confidence and charm!
Spiral staircases wound against a backdrop of the cosmos.
Upon reaching the very bottom.
The magnificent door before them swung open.
A dazzling array of collections came into view!
Specimens of rare and exotic plants, a breathtaking starry chandelier, and countless treasures displayed in glass cases.
...
"Wait, is this real magic?"
"Does this look scientific to you?"
"Haven't even brushed my teeth or taken a shower yet??"
"What's more convenient than magic for brushing teeth and showering?"
"Wow, this room is absolutely massive!"
"Did Herta turn an entire galaxy into her home?"
"Oh my god, living here would be a dream! It's like every girl's fantasy castle!"
...
This was also Ruan Mei's first time seeing Herta's residence in such detail.
She shook her head.
And remarked, "Too cluttered. Also, you have a collecting obsession."
"Of course, I could make the entire tower clean and efficient, or strip away unnecessary emotions, but wouldn't that be… too boring?"
Ruan Mei pondered for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Indeed."
"There are still aspects of humanity worth studying. I once considered trying to strip them away, but later I realized… it might be the foundation for divinity. The two aren't opposed but exist in some extreme form of evolution…"
Ruan Mei didn't continue.
Because she realized.
If they delved any deeper, they wouldn't just be watching a short film together here.
They'd be engaging in a deep academic discussion.
At the end of the version's storyline, Herta also asked Nous about the nature of divinity.
Both of them seemed to have pursuits in this regard…
Herta gave Ruan Mei a look that said, "I get you."
"You, stop thinking about becoming a god all the time. Learn from me—stay grounded."
As they spoke.
The full spectacle of the room was revealed!
Beside the plants, Mini Herta figures buzzed around like diligent little bees, busy collecting seeds and fruits, among other tasks.
They were then sent to an endlessly flowing production line.
On this production line, every position was also manned by a Mini Herta.
This was already commonplace for Herta and Ruan Mei, but for the countless players across the universe, it was an eye-opening sight!
...
"Tiny Hertas are so adorable!"
"So many cute Hertas—is this heaven?!"
"Can I get one of these as a pet follower? I wouldn't even mind if it healed enemies!"
"There's even a Tiny Herta dedicated to cheering them on?"
"They're like working cells!"
"Calling them Tiny Hertas is too much of a mouthful. How about we call them Micro-Tas instead?"
"Report! I found one sleeping in a bowl!"
"I'm the sleeping Micro-Ta. I just wanted to slack off a bit, but Yu Ling found out and exposed me online () spoon."