Even for Herta, experimental failures were nothing unusual. She would simply collect the data, identify the problems, and succeed next time.
However, Newman was still reeling from the weapon's effects. Stunned, he stammered, "This... this isn't magic, is it?"
After all, he hadn't sensed a single fluctuation of Magic Power throughout the entire demonstration. But that made it even more unbelievable!
Herta was an unparalleled genius in magic, capable of even pausing time. If she had suddenly conjured a spell that tore through space, Newman would have merely sighed at the absurdity while still finding it perfectly reasonable—because it was Herta.
But now he was being told that this gun wasn't a magical artifact at all, but a product of technology?
What the hell?!
So, on top of being a magical prodigy, Herta was also a scientific genius?
Amidst his astonishment, silence descended. Herta's sheer number of absurd talents had nearly immunized Newman to further surprises. After a moment of contemplation, he sighed, "Little Tyrant, is there anything in this world you can't do?"
Upon hearing this, Little Herta genuinely pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "I don't know."
It was the truth. She genuinely didn't know her limits. So far, she hadn't encountered a puzzle she couldn't solve.
Take the Portal Gun, for example. After one failed attempt, she had already identified the problem. With a few modifications, it should function properly.
As the two continued their conversation, the distinct wail of police sirens grew louder. Two patrol cars soon screeched to a halt outside the factory where Little Herta and Newman were standing.
Five uniformed British officers quickly emerged from the vehicles. Newman's heart skipped a beat. His first thought was: "Crap! Has my identity as a spy been exposed?"
But that wasn't the case. The officers paused, clearly surprised to see Little Herta and Newman. One of them announced, "We're not sure what you're doing here, but a dimensional rift has opened nearby. All unauthorized personnel must evacuate immediately!"
It's worth noting that in Great Britain, ordinary people lack the ability to travel between the Inner and Outer Worlds. If a civilian genuinely wishes to leave—for example, to travel abroad—they must visit the local official agency, complete the necessary procedures, and then be magically transported by authorized personnel.
The Outer World in Great Britain isn't entirely deserted, either. Certain individuals are stationed at designated locations to assist Britons returning home or foreign tourists entering the country. These staff members facilitate their passage into the Inner World. (Some airports and docks in the Outer World also employ workers.)
In summary, when British officials open the barrier between the Inner and Outer Worlds, it's best for non-essential personnel to keep their distance.
Just then, Little Herta nudged Newman's thigh with her elbow and whispered, "Go tell them now: 'What civilians? Please address me as Senior Member of Parliament.'"
Newman blinked in surprise. "What the hell?"
This line was actually an in-joke from Herta's previous life, referencing the animated series Arcane. In the show, when Jayce had just become a Member of Parliament and someone addressed him by his first name, he corrected them, saying, "Please call me Councilor Jayce."
Newman had only been appointed Senior Member of Parliament that morning, and the official announcement might not even have been issued yet. Using that line at this moment felt incredibly apt, almost uncanny.
Of course, Little Herta's primary goal wasn't just to make a joke. By having Newman reveal his new position, she mainly wanted to get involved in the Dimensional Rift Incident.
She had just finished testing her Portal Gun, and within minutes, a Dimensional Rift appeared in the area. Who would believe that was a coincidence?
Newman, naturally unaware of the "Senior Member of Parliament" joke, didn't fully understand Herta's intentions but complied nonetheless. He cleared his throat, furrowed his brow slightly, and scanned the assembled officials with the air of a boss inspecting his workers. "What 'civilians'? Show some respect. Address me as Senior Member of Parliament Newman."
"Huh?"
"???"
The officials were visibly stunned. Newman continued, "Didn't you know this area has been temporarily requisitioned by me? Who authorized you to come here and tell me how to do my job?"
Little Herta was speechless. She had only wanted Newman to act out the joke, but she hadn't expected him to perform it so well. The five British officials even took a few steps back, one of them nervously stammering, "Councilor Newman, our apologies. We weren't aware you had requisitioned this area. But... the Dimensional Rift in the Outer World..."
Newman sneered. "Hmph, that's entirely under my control, of course. You—ouch!"
Before he could finish, Little Herta didn't just nudge him with her elbow this time; she kicked his shin squarely. The impact felt like a brutal strike from an iron bar. Clutching his leg, Newman hopped around on one foot.
Little Herta turned to the officials and calmly said, "Handle this quickly. We'll assist you."
The five officials exchanged bewildered glances but quickly snapped into action. Forming a circle, they began a joint incantation, slowly opening an oval-shaped gateway between the Inner and Outer Worlds.
Rubbing his shin, Newman whined, "Little Tyrant, why did you kick me? Didn't you want me to drive them away?"
Little Herta wore an exasperated expression. "I only asked you to say one line. Why did you add so much drama yourself?"
The truth was, Newman's overactive imagination was entirely to blame.
Soon, the passage between the Inner and Outer Worlds was complete. The five officials swiftly entered, followed closely by Little Herta and Newman.
The Inner World was a factory, mirroring its Outer World counterpart. As soon as they stepped inside, Little Herta spotted a monster lurking in a corner, crouched in a predatory stance.
Its back, covered in obsidian-like scales, gleamed with a cold metallic light. Rancid saliva dripped from its crocodile-like jaws. Three pairs of crimson compound eyes, arranged in a fan shape, flickered rhythmically with its breath. Most terrifying was its scorpion-like tail—twelve vertebrae twisted outward into jagged blades, each joint sprouting triangular barbs. As the tail swayed slowly, the edges of the blades scraped together, sending tiny sparks flying.
Clearly, this was a Birth-type Dimensional Rift.