The prototype V1 Soul Gem emitted a black-violet radiance, brimming with mysterious brilliance. Its form shifted, transforming into a palm-sized key imbued with unimaginable properties.
"This is a morphological change—from gem to key. Another function not included in my blueprint." The Herta asked Herman in astonishment within her mind, "Was this your modification as well?"
"Yes."
Herman answered affirmatively.
Upon hearing this, The Herta carefully examined the key in her hand. She quickly realized that it was not merely the shape that had changed—the physical structure itself had also transformed. And in some inexplicable way, her intuition told her that she could now control this key, use it to open the Door of Wisdom and Truth, and empower herself.
But how was that possible?
Even if the V1 Soul Gem prototype had been heavily modified by Herman, it should not have been capable of granting the user an enhancement of wisdom.
Though these thoughts ran through her mind, her actions were far more honest. She directly thrust the key into the void. The tip of the key vanished instantly, piercing into a mysterious space.
Click!
The key turned, and the gate to that mysterious space opened.
Focusing her gaze, The Herta saw that beyond the spatial gateway lay a vast expanse saturated with the energy of the Path of Erudition. The sight left her stunned.
The transformed Soul Gem key could open the gateway to the Path of Erudition and draw out limitless Path energy.
Did that not mean she effectively possessed inexhaustible Erudition Path energy?
—Had she achieved the accomplishment of pseudo-infinite energy?!
Yet according to The Herta's understanding, only Emanators of Erudition blessed by an Aeon could accomplish such a feat.
In the distant past, before Akivili had laid the star rails across the universe, those lofty Emanators who roamed the cosmos traversed galaxies through sheer force, mobilizing that boundless Path energy for intergalactic leaps and travel.
And that meant she could now use this key to extract vast quantities of Erudition Path energy and perform Imaginary space jumps.
Had The Herta, through this V1 Soul Gem prototype, become a pseudo-Emanator of Erudition—one who had not yet reached the Emanator threshold nor received an Aeon's blessing?!
Carrying a trace of shock, The Herta asked Herman whether the Soul Gem · Herta's Key opening the gate to the Path of Erudition had been his doing.
???
Herman was equally bewildered upon hearing her question.
It was true that through World-Shaking Wisdom, he had spent ten thousand points to significantly modify the Soul Gem V1 prototype and even added the attribute of enhancing the host's wisdom.
But he had never expected that this enhancement of wisdom would manifest as opening the gateway to the Path of Erudition—and extracting Path energy from it.
Wait... didn't that mean The Herta had truly achieved what she claimed—attaining infinite energy and wielding a portion of an Emanator of Erudition's power?
After thinking this through, Herman replied, "That's right, it was me. After all, I crafted this Soul Gem with my own hands. Even if it lacks transformation abilities, I naturally had to maximize its other aspects."
"And Herta, congratulations—you've received a blessing!"
Herta's spirit trembled. She responded inwardly, "A blessing? You mean that the machine head has once again turned Its gaze upon me and intends to grant me a blessing?"
Herman hurriedly denied it, hinting meaningfully, "No, no. I mean you've received a blessing from me—the master of the system. You've become my Emanator."
"You mere cheat, what nonsense are you spouting!!"
"Unlimited Path energy. A preview of some of an Emanator of Erudition's abilities. Doesn't that feel amazing?"
"It does."
"If it feels amazing, then thank me properly,!"
"...Thank you."
After a brief silence, Herta still spoke those two words.
She truly was not the least bit awkward about it. When thanks were due, she gave them.
Thinking this, Herman cleared his throat.
"Ahem... Herta, the V1 Soul Gem prototype has more abilities waiting for you to test. You can continue experimenting."
The Herta stared intently at the black-violet key that was continuously drawing Path energy from within the gate of Erudition. "No. Testing the gem's abilities can wait. I need to give this key a name first. What do you think it should be called?"
Herman teased, "You're actually asking for my opinion? Weren't you just saying I was merely a cheat?"
After a brief silence, Herta replied, "You participated in the manufacturing of the Soul Gem V1 prototype. And this gem—this key—was also modified by you. Naturally, you should participate in naming it as well."
"Besides, although you aren't human, you've been residing in my body all this time. You're already mine."
"In my eyes, you're probably equivalent to a pet."
"Good grief. I went from an inanimate cheat to a pet just like that?" Herman complained. "I'm clearly a human male. No matter how much you deny it, that fact cannot be changed."
"I'm not arguing about that. Do you have any good ideas or not?"
"How about... Herta's Key?"
"Herta's Key?"
The Herta fell into contemplation. The more she considered it, the more satisfied she became. "A key named after Herta would naturally be the most perfect key in this world. Of course it can open the gate of the Path! Good. Very good!"
"Excellent!!"
"You seem quite satisfied."
"Indeed." After saying that, The Herta suddenly thought of something. "Now that I can open the gate of the Path of Erudition and extract vast Path energy, can this Path energy supply power to you, the system?"
Herman continued teasing, "You're actually concerned about my survival now."
"You are my cheat. And the buffs you provide are indeed extremely useful." The Herta spoke seriously. "To be honest, I can't bear to lose you. You're very important to me."
"Without you, I'd have a massive headache."
"Those words are quite pleasant. Say more," Herman said, clearly enjoying himself.
Herta frowned. "Hey, I'm discussing your life and death right now. How can you still look so indifferent?"
"Alright, alright. The Path energy of Erudition can't supply power to me." Herman's expression turned serious. "And you don't need to worry about my safety. As long as you don't die, nothing will happen to me."
"You don't require energy to survive?!" The Herta was shocked. "What form of existence are you exactly?!"
At that point, a strong curiosity and desire for exploration flashed in her eyes. "I'm becoming more and more interested in studying you."
Herman replied, "Madam Herta, when a girl becomes curious about a man, that's the beginning of emotional downfall!"
"..."