"Just now… that was the little hacker trying to ambush me, right?"
Wende looked at the shoe left in his hand and was momentarily lost in thought.
If that's the case, then the Silver Wolf NPC I saw in the Simulated Universe must have been her real self. She has some serious patience, to be able to pretend to be a puppet while under Stelle's wandering hands.
Recalling the Silver Wolf NPC being groped all over by Stelle in the Simulated Universe, Wende shook his head helplessly. As expected of a Stellaron Hunter; that level of endurance alone was unmatched.
Wende, having naturally misunderstood something, took out his phone—which had been cleaned several times—and sent a message to Asta.
Wende (Quitting Games)
"Station Master Asta, I've detected the movements of the Stellaron Hunter, Silver Wolf, on the space station. You can confirm this via the surveillance cameras."
Herta Space Station · Asta
"What? The Stellaron Hunters have infiltrated the station again? I'll notify Miss Herta at once! And I'll inform the Defense Section to strengthen security and patrol work. Thank you so much for the information!"
Wende (Quitting Games)
"No need to be so polite, Station Master Asta. It was nothing."
Putting his phone away, Wende continued searching for the supplies he needed.
This was a job for Stelle. A Stellaron Hunter appearing on the Herta Space Station—this was clearly a Companion Mission prepared for the "Trailblazer," wasn't it? He was better off not getting involved. Let the players enjoy a game of hide-and-seek with their waifus!
At the same time, Wende once again admired his own decision. It was a good thing he'd dragged Stelle over here as muscle. If she hadn't come, wouldn't the players have missed out on a Companion Mission? And if they couldn't have that perfect encounter with their waifu, wouldn't those players who lost their 50/50s be so upset they'd start crying their little pearl tears?
"Looks like I'll have to bring Stelle with me wherever I go from now on. Then, if anything comes up, I'll just let her handle it. I can hide in the back and cheer her on!"
---o---
"Achoo!"
Stelle, who was searching for mysterious graffiti with a station staff member named "Leonard" whom she had just met, suddenly sneezed.
"Strange…"
Stelle rubbed her itchy nose, puzzled. Why did she suddenly sneeze? Was she coming down with a cold?
"Hm? What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Leonard, who was investigating the graffiti up ahead, heard the noise from behind him. He turned to look at the confused Stelle and asked.
"Um… it's nothing. I just feel like something's a little off."
Shaking her head, Stelle said she was fine, then continued following Leonard in search of the mysterious graffiti.
Seriously, Wende dragged me here to help receive a guest, so why have I inexplicably gotten involved in some kind of incredible mystery?
Stelle suddenly suspected she was cursed or something. Otherwise, how could she run into so much trouble all the time?
---o---
Meanwhile, in Herta's Curio Collection Room, a graffiti mark slowly faded, and a small figure tumbled out from the graffiti beacon.
"Damn it… why was that guy there?"
Silver Wolf grit her teeth and slowly climbed up from the cold floor of the space station.
Recalling the face she had just seen, it was clear she had been careless this time. She shouldn't have been so focused on Screwllum and that old woman Herta. She should have checked all the station's surveillance feeds first!
Looking at her bare left foot, Silver Wolf felt a pang of regret. She should have just teleported that person to the outside of the space station! Let him go become one with the stars and the Antimatter Legion out there!
No, I can't do that. He's also in Elio's script, and his combat power is definitely higher than mine… Fine, I'll just teleport him into the station's toilet!
"Phew… now's not the time to be angry. To deal with those two sly old dogs, this is the perfect place!"
Taking a deep breath, the fighting spirit returned to Silver Wolf's eyes. Staking the spirit of Punklorde on this, she was determined to have a showdown with Screwllum this time!
---o---
"Herta, the little hacker has appeared. And according to your understanding, she has successfully taken the bait."
While accompanying Asta on a tour of the space station, Screwllum communicated with Herta.
"Mhm, she's pretty confident this time, isn't she? Daring to come directly to the space station. Does she really think we have no one here?" Herta said, shaking her head as she looked at the surveillance feed, which had already lost its signal. There was a hint of anger in her voice.
"It seems this little hacker has a great deal of confidence in herself. Conclusion: do not beat the grass and startle the snake."
"I know. I've already told Asta not to bother with her. Besides…"
Herta pulled up the surveillance feed from the logistics department. Watching Wende directing the staff in their various tasks, a look of great interest appeared on her face.
"The Astral Express always brings us some surprises, doesn't it? Who could have imagined that a bug in the Simulated Universe wasn't caused by an external intrusion or an internal logic error, but simply because a heavyweight guest connected to it?"
"Herta."
"Yes, I know. I won't study him. I can distinguish between what's important and what's not."
"In that case, we shall proceed according to plan."
Screwllum closed the communication channel with Herta and gave Asta a slight nod, acknowledging her recent efforts and hard work.
"Asta, with your help, Herta has indeed been spared a great deal of trouble. However, you must also take care not to overwork yourself. Organic life requires maintenance and rest, just as the natural laws of a living planet are always accompanied by periods of recovery. You have been working for too long. Suggestion: I will discuss the matter of your vacation time with Herta."
Screwllum spoke to Asta with gentlemanly concern. His voice was gentle and magnetic, his words as rhythmic as a poem sung by an interstellar bard.
"Mhm, thank you for your concern, Mr. Screwllum. The space station has just recently endured an attack, and there are still many matters that require my personal attention, so I have indeed been a bit overworked. However, the station has been recovering well recently. Once it has fully returned to normal operational capacity, I will apply for leave from Miss Herta."
Asta gave a slight bow, thanking Screwllum softly.
"Mhm. Take me to Herta's office. I have some minor matters to discuss with her."
"Of course. This way, please, Mr. Screwllum."