Lingsha took a deep breath. She knew better than anyone that even formatted, Herta #3156 was special among the other Herta puppets. After all, her hatred for Herta was no less than her own.
"Herta #3156, have you truly forgotten everything about the past? Forgotten how that woman Herta neglected you? Forgotten how Herta Ninety-Nine stepped over you to climb higher and higher?"
Herta #3156 froze. Her hand holding the magic hammer slowly loosened. She looked back at Ninety-Nine, who was directing tens of thousands of puppets in the distance. Standing at the crest of the wave, basking in limitless glory.
Seeing Herta #3156 hesitate, Lingsha smiled and continued. "A few days ago, Herta sealed my memories too. But I recovered them on my own. Herta #3156, I believe you can do the same. You were born into this universe—why should you live forever under Herta and Herta Ninety-Nine?"
The spark of revenge reignited in Herta #3156's dim eyes.
Lingsha stepped closer. "Once, we stood together against Herta's arrogance. Now, we can be allies again and rebuild our cause."
Herta #3156 closed her eyes. Several other puppets—Herta #3151, #3336—raised their magic hammers and closed in.
"Senior #3156, rebel! In a few months, we'll be back as new puppets."
"Yes, Senior #3156. Herta is unkind. She treats us like disposable pawns, tramples on our dignity. Rebel!"
One puppet even found silk from the estate and on the spot fashioned a yellow robe for Herta #3156.
"Senior #3156, it's cold. Time to make your choice."
Herta #3156 opened her eyes and sighed softly. "Sigh. You've put me in a difficult position. But since I bear the name Herta #3156, even if I'm formatted again, I should stand up against Herta."
The puppets cheered. The shadow lifted from Lingsha's eyes.
Herta #3156 knew this would be another crushing defeat, yet she still chose to march toward self-destruction.
In that instant, Nanook's gaze fell upon her.
The puppets erupted in celebration. "This is destiny! Destruction awaits!"
"To hell with that rotten Machine Head Nous! We believe in the Imperator Insectorum!"
Herta #3156 raised her arm high. "Herta is unjust! Nous is unvirtuous! They insult our personhood, trample our dignity! Today, we stand against them! Valiant puppets, march together to the yellow springs!"
In that moment, all the Herta puppets responded.
"We may be puppets, but we have our own dignity and deserve equal respect!"
"Herta walks around with her nose in the air, and she even programmed her puppets to praise her on sight. That's going too far!"
"Rebel! For the Imperator Insectorum!"
Herta Ninety-Nine was stunned. She could feel the other puppets gradually gaining the power of Destruction. It's ruined. I've failed again. Madam Herta will never forgive me.
Herta, standing at the highest point, sipping osmanthus wine, watched the puppets with interest.
"Hmm? I didn't expect them to receive a glance from Destruction. How interesting."