After sending the messages, Herman received replies from the two geniuses within a few minutes. Once he confirmed that both had accepted the invitation, he closed his eyes.
His soul consciousness entered the Simulated Laboratory space, where he met The Herta and informed her that in half an hour, the Society Ticket would be activated.
Herta nodded, indicating that she understood.
Carrying a trace of suspicion, Herman stepped closer and asked, "So, Herta, have you remembered the names of the two geniuses I invited?"
"Of course. I'm not an idiot!" The Herta stopped the experiment she was working on and shot the man beside her an annoyed glance. "I'm a genius of the Genius Society. I may not possess perfect photographic memory, but my memory is far beyond that of ordinary people. Remembering names is the easiest thing in the world."
Herman teased, "But before this, Herta, you couldn't even remember Lanvelle's name."
The Herta frowned. "Lanvelle? Who's that?"
"Someone from the Blue Federation—the woman who often comes to see you. The one who wears glasses."
"Oh, her." The Herta nodded in realization and said righteously, "Why would I bother remembering the name of an ordinary person? Besides... whether in intelligence or beauty, she can't compare to me."
"As for Ruan Mei and Screwllum, that's different. According to you, they're true geniuses. Of course I'll remember them!"
So she remembered their names because of me?
With that thought, a faint smile curved at Herman's lips. "In that case, let me provide you with a bit more information about these two geniuses."
"Screwllum is an intelligent inorganic lifeform, and Ruan Mei is an expert in biological research. You've told me that before... and when I went out earlier, I had the Fourth Mirror look up information about Screwllum. That checked out. As for Ruan Mei, the Fourth Mirror didn't find much about her."
"Naturally it wouldn't," Herman replied. "Ruan Mei is a reclusive genius living on a remote edge-world of the cosmos."
Hearing this, The Herta's eyelids twitched. Recalling the many unusual things Herman had demonstrated before, she couldn't help but say, "Don't tell me you know even more secret information about these two geniuses?"
Herman nodded, acknowledging the fact.
Seeing this, The Herta began to ponder inwardly. Herman—or rather, the Research System—was absolutely extraordinary.
After all, he knew far too much about the geniuses.
And judging from what had happened before, even Nous had been unable to detect his existence.
Could it be that the Research System—or Herman himself—was, like Nous, a creation of the Genius Society's first seat, Zandar One Kuwabara?
If that were true, did Herman—or the Research System—also possess the potential to ascend and become an Aeon?!!
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Herta's mind.
At that moment, Herman's voice rang out again. "Ruan Mei is an expert in biological research. If nothing unexpected has happened, her current project likely concerns the Path of Propagation—creating life."
"Of course, that's not the most important part. The key is that in front of others she's like a plum blossom—cold and distant. Before you become close friends with her, she'll be very interested in your genius brain."
"My genius brain? Ruan Mei studies biology... Wait, you mean she's interested in my brain?!" The Herta's pupils shrank to pinpoints.
"Exactly. So at the gathering, be careful with any pastries or desserts Ruan Mei offers you," Herman said seriously. "If you eat something problematic, you might fall into her trap."
As he spoke, Herman recalled how, in his previous life's game, the Trailblazer had eaten Ruan Mei's plum blossom cake and thereafter could no longer tell the truth.
At this moment, The Herta felt her heart tremble violently. "My brain will disappear? Or will I be disemboweled on the spot?"
"No. I mean you might be kidnapped and turned into a subject for Ruan Mei's biological experiments... using a genius as material for propagation experiments."
Herta's face stiffened. "Propagation... experiments?!"
Herman nodded. "You know she studies biology. She must long to artificially create geniuses from the perspective of biological propagation. Two geniuses combining to reproduce—mass-producing new geniuses..."
By the time he finished, The Herta's expression had completely frozen. "Ruan Mei—that name sounds like a woman's name, right?!"
"Yes."
"But how could a woman and a woman possibly—"
Herman immediately cut her off. "She's a biological genius. As far as I know, she can turn an entire planet into a living organism and awaken self-awareness within it."
"Hiss!"
At that moment, The Herta fully understood what Herman meant and drew in a sharp breath.
That's right!
If Ruan Mei could turn a planet into a living being and grant it self-awareness...
Then enabling reproduction without altering gender would be effortless for her...
After several seconds of silence, The Herta finally spoke in a serious tone. "At the gathering, I'll be careful. And I'll bring Herta's Key to prevent any accidents."
"Very good."
Herman nodded slightly and then fell silent.
Seeing this, The Herta looked puzzled. "Aren't you going to provide more information about Screwllum?"
"Screwllum is a good person—or rather, a good Intellitron. An elegant mechanical noble, and an excellent collaborator." After saying this, Herman added earnestly, "Of course, once you get along well with Ruan Mei, she'll also make a fine collaborator."
"Understood. The intelligence you've provided is very useful." The Herta nodded, then fixed her gaze on Herman. "So, how long until the geniuses meet? Half a system-hour?"
Herman glanced at the clock in the laboratory and nodded. "About twenty-seven minutes left."
"I see."
With that, The Herta walked straight toward the door of the Simulated Laboratory, reclaimed control of her physical body, and guided it to stand before the Fourth Mirror—only to realize that her current appearance was far too casual.
In the mirror, Herta wore loose pajamas, her hair messy and unkempt. There was nothing elegant about her, nothing purely beautiful.
Attending a gathering of geniuses dressed like this would be utterly humiliating.
"Herman, couldn't you have helped me with makeup and a proper outfit in advance?"
"I'm a man. Makeup isn't exactly my specialty. As for changing clothes—I was worried you might object. After all, while you were changing, I would have seen your—"
"Enough. I'll do it myself!"
As she spoke, Herta cast a somewhat regretful glance at Herta's Key hanging around her neck in the mirror and muttered inwardly:
What a pity the magical girl transformation ability hasn't been researched yet.
Otherwise, I wouldn't need to change clothes or apply makeup manually. A single transformation would handle everything—even the cosmetics.
With that thought, The Herta went to take a shower, blow-dried her hair, and began following the Fourth Mirror's guidance to apply the most perfect makeup.
Finally, she put on black silk stockings and her pointed hat—her favorite attire, reminiscent of a magical girl.
At the same time, Herta's Key was gripped firmly in her hand, transforming into the Herta Magic Wand.
All preparations complete, she picked up the Society Ticket from the table and activated it.