After the Fourth Mirror confirmed that Madam Herta had truly recruited talent—rather than bringing back some external Intellitron—it sent Pearl a warehouse map. "The coolant is located here. Go retrieve it."
"Thank you. After obtaining the coolant, I will devote myself fully to studying the legal codes and strive to assist Miss Herta in the upcoming commercial negotiations." Pearl gave the Fourth Mirror a respectful bow before turning and heading toward the warehouse.
At the next moment, Herman's voice sounded. "Fourth Mirror, how much time remains before the ribbon-cutting ceremony?"
"Ten."
Herman nodded in understanding. "Ten minutes? That should be enough to make it."
"Nine, eight, seven..."
"So you were counting down." Herman's lips twitched slightly. He removed Herta's Key from around his neck and declared, "Herta Magic Wand, activate flight mode. Sync with the Fourth Mirror's map data. Destination—Herta City."
"Takeoff confirmed!"
Herta's Key floated into the air and rapidly transformed into the shape of a magic wand. The instant it responded to Herman, it flew beneath him, carrying him straight out the window and soaring upward, breaking through the sound barrier in a single surge.
This time, the Herta Magic Wand understood the urgency. It fully unleashed its ability to draw energy from the Path of Erudition, functioning like a pump extracting power to serve as fuel.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Mach rings formed at the wand's tail.
Across the sky, a distinct white contrail stretched into existence.
The wand's flight speed surged to four times the speed of sound—then five. Mach 5.
At this speed, with each passing second, Herta could travel nearly two kilometers. The pressure was terrifying.
Fortunately, the owner of this body—Herta—was a Pathstrider and could circulate Path power to protect herself. The only thing Herman needed to do now was hold down the pointed hat on his head to keep it from being blown away by the raging wind.
...
Meanwhile, within Herta City, a grand completion ceremony was in full swing.
Flowers, red carpets, spotlights, reporters, onlookers... and groups of individuals in suits and ties gathered together.
They were business elites—or leaders from various industries.
They had come for Herta City, all hoping to find opportunities to earn Credits within this miraculous city that had risen from the earth in mere days—the wonder known as Herta City.
In addition to them, the Architects who had constructed Herta City were present, as well as the Supreme Leader of the Blue Federation.
In short, every attendee at this ribbon-cutting ceremony was a mid- to high-ranking figure within the Blue Federation, including the renowned Architects faction known across the cosmos.
Yet even after everyone had arrived, the ceremony did not begin. All were waiting.
Many reporters grew puzzled. "Even the Supreme Leader is here. Why hasn't the ceremony started?"
"Could it be that someone even more distinguished is expected to arrive?"
Low murmurs rippled through the crowd.
At that very moment, a sharp tearing sound split the sky overhead.
A witch wearing a pointed hat descended from above, riding a broom-like magic wand. She landed upon the ceremony stage and swept her gaze across the crowd. "I am not late, am I?"
???
The reporters stared blankly at the stunning young girl dressed as a witch atop the stage.
Who are you?!
Wait—magical girl? A few days ago, there had indeed been online news about a magical girl, though the story's popularity had quickly been suppressed by official channels.
Wait... does that mean magical girls truly exist in this world?
Reporters and industry elites alike felt their hearts quake violently.
At that moment, the Supreme Leader of the Blue Federation, who had been seated without much movement, finally spoke in response to Herta:
"Of course not, Miss Herta. Your timing is perfect."
As his words fell, the Supreme Leader shot Lanvelle a glance.
Lanvelle nodded and picked up her communicator.
In an instant, a group of prepared officials activated the celebratory launchers in their hands.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Confetti burst into the air. At the same time, vertical red banners unfurled across the stage, each bearing bold inscriptions:
"The Blue Federation warmly welcomes Miss Herta to the Herta City completion ceremony!"
"The Blue Federation warmly welcomes Miss Herta to the Soul Gem factory completion ceremony!"
!!
At that moment, whether reporters or industry leaders of the Blue Federation, everyone understood that the figure on stage was far more than a mere magical girl.
After all, her name was Herta.
More importantly, the city beneath their feet—the one that had risen in mere days—was called Herta City.
There had to be an immense connection between the two. It was even possible that this city had risen through Herta's magic—a miracle conjured by her own hands.
Countless reporters stared at Herta with fervent eyes, pressing their camera shutters relentlessly.
Many even formed a single thought in their hearts: Miracles and magic truly exist!
The flying wand. The Herta City that had stood tall upon the earth in mere days. All of it was a grand magical miracle created by the magical girl named Herta!
Especially among the crowd were young girls who had always believed magic was real. Now, their eyes shone as they gazed at Herta.
Herman paid no attention to those burning gazes. His eyes locked onto the Supreme Leader of the Blue Federation instead.
"Very well. I am here. I will proceed with the ribbon-cutting directly—no objections?"
"Of course not."
The Supreme Leader nodded.
In truth, he had investigated Herta's past and knew she would ordinarily refuse such ceremonial events.
That she had come today—giving him face and imbuing Herta City with the aura of genius—filled him with genuine delight.
After all, this meant Herta and Herta City were now bound together. Should any extraterrestrial force seek to invade the Blue Federation in the future, they would have to consider the stance of the 83rd Seat of the Genius Society.
Thus, smiling warmly, the Supreme Leader watched as Herta raised her magic wand high and fired a magic bullet.
With a single shot, the red ribbon shattered—
Aand the ribbon-cutting ceremony was complete.
Immediately afterward, Herman prepared to depart for the Soul Gem factory.
At that moment, however, the captain of the Architects stepped forward.
"Please wait, Miss Herta..."