Hera's childhood had been remarkably smooth sailing.
From the moment she arrived in this world, her innate talent and intelligence began shaping a life far different from that of ordinary individuals.
She had no parents or siblings, nor did she bother making friends with immature peers her age.
Despite all this, she never felt lonely.
Amber devoted herself entirely to caring for and attending to Hera. Although Amber considered herself merely a subordinate, to Hera, she fulfilled every need associated with the concept of family.
As for friends...
"Kid, take your shallow, riddled-with-errors report and get lost! My lab doesn't need trash like you. Come back after studying for another twenty years before applying again!"
"Dr. Mobius, I #¥%...&...!!!" Klein stammered angrily.
"Heh! Impotent rage, typical of a little brat. Klein and Klein, let's go back; these conferences truly have no meaning after all~"
The petite Dr. Mobius, resembling a loli with a disdainful and irritating smile, swayed her serpent-like waist. Holding the younger Klein in one arm and grasping the elder Klein with her other hand, she nonchalantly left the large conference room as if indifferent to everyone else present.
Before departing, Elder Klein couldn't help but turn back, offering an awkward and stiff smile to the crowd, attempting to convey his apologies and salvage some impression for Mobius—of course, it was all futile effort.
Hera sat on her elevated chair, padded high by stacks of books, clutching the paper that Mobius had just flung back at her. Her face darkened, emitting faint grinding sounds from gritted teeth.
"Aha ha ha! Truly impressive, Mobius, saying exactly what's on your mind. Unlike me, I can't be so bluntly honest... Waaah!" The red-headed Lobster Doctor burst out laughing, pounding the table, only to be silenced abruptly when Einstein stuffed an apple into his mouth, forcing him to halt his commentary.
Dr. Lobster, who had been slapping the table with laughter, was promptly silenced by Einstein as she handed him an apple.
Hera glanced at the flustered Tesla, and her gloomy expression softened.
"Dr. Echo, I'm fine. Rigor is paramount in scientific research. Criticism is expected if my level falls short. I'll continue striving for improvement!"
"It's good that you understand. The more accomplished a scientist, the more likely they are to be straightforward or have unique personalities. In any case, don't let this minor incident bother you. For the biology section, Dr. Mobius has provided sufficient guidance. Regarding the mechanical aspect, I will ensure Dr. Tesla gives a thorough review. As for foundational physics... please accept my apologies. Based on the requirements for laboratory partners, your current understanding indeed falls short. I've included comments in your evaluation; take some time to reflect and deepen your knowledge. I believe you'll catch up soon."
With a gentle smile, Dr. Einstein affectionately patted Hera's head.
Hera didn't resist, enjoying Einstein's gentle touch. She looked up with admiration and longing at this knowledgeable senior, her eyes filled with respect.
"Sure, I'll work harder!" Little Hera nodded shyly, her slightly flushed cheeks resembling tender flower buds.
"Oh! Right, I just remembered there's a fireworks festival tonight in the Imperial City. How about we stay up all night and enjoy it together, kiddo?" Tesla removed the apple from his mouth and enthusiastically patted Hera on the shoulder.
Holding her thick stack of academic manuscripts, Hera wavered, eyebrows furrowed in indecision. Deep down, she preferred finding a quiet room to thoroughly study the newly issued guidance notes. However, considering Tesla's enthusiastic invitation, she hesitated to decline, given his status as a renowned master scientist like herself.
Before she knew it, the assertive Tesla had whisked her away.
Left behind were Einstein and other top scholars, watching helplessly or amused as Hera's scattered papers fluttered across the room.
"Whoosh!"
"Boom!!"
Tesla hadn't exaggerated. As they rushed out of the research building and arrived at the spacious, tech-infused leisure area, a magnificent fireworks display blossomed in the sky just in time. Like exploding stars, power and beauty shimmered brilliantly before their eyes.
"Here, have some juice!" Tesla casually grabbed a beverage from a nearby small robot and handed it to Hera, who was gazing up at the sky.
Sipping on the refreshing and sweet juice, Hera admired the fireworks for quite some time before strolling along the street with Tesla.
During their walk, Hera suddenly looked up, her large, dewy eyes blinking as she asked Tesla beside her:
"Doctor, why are there fireworks today?"
"Well, apparently it's Zeke and his partners' wedding anniversary, coinciding with this rare gathering of scientists. So, how do you say it... 'sharing joy with the people'! Yes, exactly that - sharing joy with the people, ha-ha-ha!"
"I see. Speaking of which, I submitted papers to both the Honkai and Virtual Being sectors. I wonder what Uncle Zeke will think of them?"
"Uh... let me advise you not to expect too much. Firstly, he's undoubtedly spending the day with his wives; he didn't even show up for the meeting of chief scientists, so chances are slim he'll read your report. Secondly, that guy has incredibly high standards and a notoriously bad temper. Trust me, dealing with him might frustrate you more than Mobius ever did."
Tesla spread his hands and shrugged helplessly.
Sipping her juice, Hera nodded in agreement.
Then Tesla suddenly realized something and asked, looking down at her, "Wait, why do you call him Uncle Zeke? Are you two really close? Don't most people address him as 'His Majesty'?"
"Oh, we're quite familiar with each other. Uncle Zeke comes to celebrate my birthday every year. Sure, it might also be partly to keep an eye on me, but he always brings valuable materials for learning and research, answers any questions I have, and even measures my height annually before gifting me dresses, shoes, and such... Hehe, I wonder what new knowledge Uncle will share with me this time—I'm really looking forward to it!"
"...I doubt it's just about surveillance; Zeke isn't that narrow-minded. By the way, using terms like these suggests you know more than I imagined, doesn't it?"
"Otto Apocalypse and Hera Schariac—certain matters, due to various considerations, haven't been fully disclosed, but they aren't entirely classified secrets either. Doctor, obtaining information is usually quite easy for someone like us, wouldn't you agree?" Smiling, Hera looked up at Tesla while sipping through her straw.
Holding his juice, Tesla opened his mouth but hesitated for a moment before dejectedly tugging at his red hair.
"Don't take it too personally; that guy's affairs have nothing to do with you. You are who you are, and we all recognize this clearly."
"Thank you. Dr. Tesla, Dr. Echo, and Mr. Welt, you're all such wonderful people. I know what you've lost in the past, so your understanding and generosity truly mean a lot to me. As for any potential malice from others... Hmph! I'm no easy target. If someone can't see reason, I'll help them understand!"
"Woah! That's quite spirited of you, little one! But somehow, this sounds very much like Zeke's style?"
"Well, I learn from the best, right? When it comes to picking up new things, I'm super adept! Hehe~"
Hera playfully stuck out her small pink tongue, exuding a mischievous yet charming confidence.
They exchanged glances for a moment, then burst into laughter together.
The lively giggles of the big and little girls echoed through the brightly lit leisure district, drawing the attention of many fellow researchers who had come to unwind. Their mirth was infectious, eliciting similarly relaxed and warm smiles from those around them.
Tesla and Hera strolled through the streets and various gardens, enjoying the beautiful fireworks display and indulging in the abundant food and beverages available everywhere. Their leisurely walk continued deep into the night.
Unbeknownst to them, they ventured into a slightly dimmer-lit area reserved for special moments among certain individuals. Here, couples holding hands were either leisurely strolling or resting intimately together.
"Ugh!"
Tesla's steps halted as she chewed on watermelon, involuntarily displaying her disgust.
Holding her own piece of watermelon, Hera blinked and asked,
"Doctor, do you have a boyfriend?"
"Huh?! What kind of foolish question is that?"
"It seems like you don't. Then, have you ever had one before?"
"Ha?! Again?!"
Apparently not.
Hera nibbled at her watermelon, remaining completely unfazed.
However, this overly calm reaction made Tesla feel somewhat belittled. Her face flushed instantly, and she exclaimed loudly:
"I've got plenty of admirers! I just prefer focusing on my research, and...and..."
For some reason, Tesla recalled Welt's gentle smile, causing her grip to crush the watermelon in her hand.
"You cheeky brat! Why are you so concerned about these matters? It's still ages away for someone like you!"
"Well, not quite. Recent social surveys show that with advancements in technology and improving living conditions, the average age of first love has significantly decreased. As far as I know, it's now quite common for twelve- to thirteen-year-olds to engage in playful romances akin to playing house. Naturally, the education authorities have various concerns and seem to be grappling with implementing guidance measures."
"I'm defeated..." Tesla's confidence crumbled instantly, her face turning pale as she muttered, feeling utterly outpaced by the changing times.
Indeed, upon closer thought, even Zeke, whom she had watched grow up, had entered the realm of marriage early, while Tesla remained a single "lobster" from birth—her life story was scribbled all over with the words "forever alone"!
Hera blinked contemplatively before breaking into a teasing grin. "Doctor, what is your ideal type?"
"Oh, definitely mature and dependable, sufficiently gentle, caring, tall, handsome, free from any messy romantic entanglements, understanding of my inability to prioritize family due to being a scientist, tolerant of a woman's occasional whims, and..."
"Hold on! Why am I discussing this with a kid like you?!"
In her dazed state, Tesla unconsciously followed Hera's question and began describing someone specific without any reservations. Midway through, she suddenly realized her slip, blushing furiously as she exclaimed to mask her flustered embarrassment.
Hera raised an eyebrow, her youthful face bearing a sly smile.
Though silent, Hera's grin made Tesla feel on the verge of exploding internally.
"D-d-don't you get any wild ideas!"
"I'm not thinking anything at all! By the way, Doctor, would you like to hear about my ideal type?"
"Go ahead!" Tesla urged eagerly.
"Well, I don't have as many requirements. Quite early on, I decided that if seeking a partner, it should be someone who is both the strongest and most intelligent. You see, I am destined not to be bound by the limits of mortality. The vistas I'll explore and the thoughts I'll ponder will inevitably transcend those of ordinary people. Therefore, he must be a formidable powerhouse capable of standing at the same height as me, ideally strong enough to overpower me. Otherwise, how could anyone conquer Hela Schariac?"
Hera puffed out her still-developing chest, her youthful face filled with earnestness and pride.
Indeed, she genuinely believed this, and naturally, she had every right to hold such aspirations.
Tesla blinked innocently, momentarily taken aback.
Upon reflection, it was clear that Tesla's own description pointed strongly towards a specific individual. However, Hera's depiction seemed even more unequivocal, bordering on unmistakable.
The strongest and most intelligent person—Tesla shuddered, beads of cold sweat instantly appearing on his forehead.
"Ah! Dr. Tesla, look over there quickly!"
Hera suddenly jumped excitedly, tugging at Tesla's dress while pointing fervently down the distant street.
There, a tall, robust, and strikingly handsome young man led four beauties, each with distinct styles, strolling amidst the vibrant fireworks spectacle, garnering admiring gazes from all around.
"Doctor, you carry on without me; I have something to attend to first!"
Hera casually tossed away the watermelon rind, ignoring Tesla's belated attempt to detain her, as she swiftly flew off like the wind.
Under the dazzling glow of vibrant fireworks, an adorable little girl materialized amidst the breeze and took Zeke's hand with her delicate fingers.
With her large twinkling eyes blinking innocently, she smiled sweetly and spoke in an equally enchanting voice:
"Uncle Zeke, let me show you the goldfish, okay?"
In that instant, a chilling silence enveloped the air around them.
Kiana, Fu Hua, Bronya, and Sin simultaneously narrowed their eyes as alarm bells signaling danger rang loudly in their minds.