Celenova's claws transformed into terrifying arcs of blade-light, as if intent on shredding the starry sky itself.
They came crashing down upon 'Hertatomb', again and again.
In her furious, humiliated state, Celenova's oppressive aura even began to rise in relentless waves.
Clearly, it had surpassed her previous peak condition.
Back when they first met, even when matching the same level of force she had chosen to employ then…
Last time, she had been able to beat Celenova back step by step. This time, however, the roles were reversed, and she was the one being forced into retreat.
"Calm down, Celenova! Look, I haven't posted a single one of those private photos, okay?"
Feeling somewhat in the wrong, and not really in the mood to fight Celenova anyway, 'Hertatomb' could only explain while on the run.
Yet Celenova clearly had no desire to listen to her nonsense.
"Let me crush your core consciousness, and then I'll accept your apology!"
"Hmm… that might actually be doable."
Since it was almost due for renewal anyway, and she was already prepared to draw the next card…
Having the 'Hertatomb' character vanish at Celenova's hands would save a lot of trouble later.
As for Herta over there…
A sincere apology would have to do when the time came.
Although Herta wasn't particularly fond of having this body of hers destroyed by someone else…
But no matter how you looked at it, being able to 'die' once in front of everyone was probably the better choice for Herta, right?
Sorry about this, Madam Herta.
I'll apologize properly later.
For now, better let Celenova crush this body's core.
Besides, you installed so many monitoring programs in this body.
You're definitely aware of my plan.
If you don't intervene, I'll take it as silent consent.
Of course, considering the act couldn't look too fake, 'Hertatomb' still put up a decent fight against Celenova.
But during the struggle, she found a moment to use the new card draw.
The familiar train and the familiar golden radiance.
What appeared next before her eyes was a girl with pink hair, dressed in an extravagant gown and a pair of stunningly beautiful high heels.
"Cyrene… talk about good timing."
The great decisive battle at Irontomb was coming up soon.
Demiurge was also about to emerge into the world; it was a good chance to harvest more emotional energy.
Speaking of which, things had come to this point.
The Cyrene and Demiurge within Amphoreus now were probably completely different from their story versions, right?
Both were already in that state of Digimon + Ultraman.
And since March 7th was still nowhere to be seen, Cyrene probably wouldn't be using a bow either.
Though not certain, 'Hertatomb' reasonably speculated that Cyrene's bow skills likely originated from March 7th.
No March, probably no bow either.
So this Cyrene from the original game, placed in the current situation…
Felt more like a Cyrene from an alternate world.
The thought of the 'original' here becoming an 'if' route character was somehow absurdly funny.
But 'Hertatomb' didn't have time to dwell on it because Celenova was chasing her down fiercely.
They fought from one end of the star system to the other, as if she was purely venting rage, Celenova even managed to carve a piercing wound straight through the entire star system.
It wasn't until 'Hertatomb' felt the act had gone on long enough, that she intentionally slowed down for a split second at a certain moment.
Celenova's claw immediately pierced through 'Hertatomb's' chest.
Her palm touched the continuously whirring core, but Celenova's expression turned grim: "…What is the meaning of this?"
Having witnessed her performance in the Path Space, Celenova didn't believe for a second that she could kill her so easily.
"...Maybe the Lord of Silence secretly intervened?"
"You expect me to believe such nonsense?"
Celenova clutched the scorching mechanical core, her chest heaving, clearly not pleased.
"Cough… Didn't you say you'd let me off if I let you crush the core?"
"…"
Celenova froze for a moment.
She had said that.
But even though she'd said it, being let off by Bai Ming like this, being allowed to win so easily…
Brought her no joy at all.
BOOM—!!
The core was forcibly crushed.
Celenova glared at Bai Ming: "Do you think I'll accept this?"
"Ha~ Who knows? I'm returning your Legion to you, don't worry, the virus is gone. But on one condition: when Irontomb emerges, help me deal with the spilling Black Tide."
"Ha—?! Why should I listen to you?!"
Hearing Celenova's stubborn retort, Bai Ming couldn't help but smile.
She talks tough, but she was clearly happy when she crushed the core.
If you really couldn't accept it, you should have pulled your hand back already.
Your mouth says no, but your body is honestly quite obedient.
Is this one actually a full-blown tsundere?
"Suit yourself. But if you don't accept the condition, I can't guarantee the remaining Celenova photobook won't end up on the StarNet~"
KABOOM—!!
An even larger burst of sparks erupted from 'Hertatomb's' chest.
The core, crushed into space debris along with a heap of mechanical parts, was violently ripped out by Celenova.
However, for a creation of 'Hertatomb's' caliber, core destruction didn't mean an immediate shutdown.
"You…!"
Celenova had been about to say that if 'Hertatomb' had just asked nicely, she might have agreed.
After all, she wasn't particularly keen on taking back the portion of the Legion that had been snatched anyway—
Sending them to be consumed on the battlefield was just fine.
But this Bai Ming had absolutely no intention of communicating properly!!
--+--
Meanwhile.
Herta City.
Ruan Mei, while adjusting some equipment, asked curiously: "I thought you would stop her."
Herta, directing puppets to assist nearby, snorted coldly: "Her decision was correct. Rubert III dying there in front of everyone is the best option."
"You care about that sort of thing?"
Ruan Mei glanced sideways at Herta.
In her eyes, Herta was never one to concern herself with such matters.
While she had a conscience compared to other geniuses, Herta's essence was still that of a genius.
"No. I just think Bai Ming is the classic type who won't admit defeat until she's staring at her own coffin."
Though Herta wore a smile on her face, it didn't look happy in the slightest.
Rationally speaking, Bai Ming's choice wasn't just not wrong—it was highly appropriate.
After all, the soon-to-emerge Irontomb, aside from missing a head, bore a body that was, if not identical, at least eighty percent similar to 'Hertatomb's'.
Standing together would inevitably invite criticism.
But if one 'died' beforehand, any objections wouldn't be brought into the open.
It was a perfect way to eliminate future troubles.
But even so…
Emotionally speaking…
After she had made her stance so clear, knowing full well it would make her angry, Bai Ming still went ahead with it.
She didn't even bother discussing it with her in advance.
Though Herta knew that even if discussed, she definitely wouldn't have agreed.
But the fact that she wasn't told was the problem!
It left Herta deeply displeased.
"If she doesn't get a lesson, she'll just say 'My bad' and definitely dare to do it again next time."
"Heh~"
Ruan Mei gave a soft laugh and shook her head slightly.
She felt a pang of sympathy for what Bai Ming was about to experience.
You, perfectly knowing it would anger Herta, still had to go and do it…
"The Phase Flame she often uses—I secretly altered its anchor coordinates. She'll definitely use it once her body is destroyed later. And then, hehe…"
With a dark expression, Herta let out a very villainous chuckle.
As for Screwllum…
Upon hearing Herta's words, he silently left the area.
And mused to himself that the relationship between these three was indeed exceptionally close.
Such amicable rapport was quite rare even among geniuses.
--+--