Fuli of Amphoreus extended her great hand and merely flicked the threads of causality. Instantly, the Emperor's Scepter under Lygus' control began producing massive data errors—bugs erupting across its systems.
Countless red signal alerts flashed wildly before Lygus' eyes, causing a flicker of confusion and disbelief to pass through his mechanical gaze.
What is happening?!
Why is the Emperor's Scepter suddenly malfunctioning? Strange... This is absolutely strange!
Could it be that those geniuses have done something again?!
After a rapid storm of calculations, Lygus immediately overclocked his brain, attempting to repair the corrupted data at top speed.
His repair speed was astonishingly fast. However, while fixing the errors, his offensive pressure on the frontal data battlefield weakened.
Herta, Ruan Mei, and Screwllum noticed this at once. They further mobilized the astral computers—along with their own genius-level computational power—and launched an even fiercer assault, striking directly at Amphoreus' world barrier, its firewall.
Finally, the barrier of Amphoreus was breached.
At that instant, The Herta and Ruan Mei exchanged a glance and each activated their Stigmata Space.
Invisible spiritual force and soul power surged forward, pouring into the world of Amphoreus.
In that moment, both Herta 100 and the Ruan Mei Magic Wand sensed something. They raised their heads, their consciousness linking with their respective Stigmata Spaces.
Taking the Ruan Mei Magic Wand as an example—it felt that in the blink of an eye, it had reconnected with its master, Ruan Mei, and rapidly completed an exchange of information.
Through this, Ruan Mei obtained more detailed intelligence about Amphoreus:
Chrysos Heir flowing with what appeared to be golden blood of Destruction! Titans reflecting twelve different Paths!
And that ever-approaching black tide!
Upon gathering this information, Ruan Mei instantly realized that Lygus was most likely planning to use some form of power from the Path of Destruction to erase Nous.
As for the Twelve Titans—the so-called gods of Amphoreus—they were most likely not true gods of the cosmos, not Aeons.
Rather, they were deities internal to Amphoreus itself—cultivated by Lygus to simulate and compute the twelve Paths.
After reaching this conclusion, Ruan Mei spoke solemnly to the Ruan Mei Magic Wand:
"I do not particularly care about the survival of this world. However, since Herta wishes to protect the cosmos, I will cooperate with her."
"Next, I will activate your power. You have a task—to vitalize the world of Amphoreus itself. Awaken its consciousness and use it to oppose Lygus Zandar's scheme."
The Ruan Mei Magic Wand swayed from side to side, revealing a bitter expression. "Miss Ruan, without you, I cannot possibly vitalize an entire world."
Ruan Mei replied calmly, "No. You can—as long as you accept Herta's guidance."
"Herta? But... isn't this Ruan Mei's Stigmata Space?"
"To invade Amphoreus, Herta's Stigmata Space and mine just resonated deeply. The two Stigmata worlds have formed a traversable gateway."
"In fact, Herta has already agreed to allow her second personality to come out and instruct you."
The moment her words fell, Herman's consciousness manifested within Ruan Mei's Stigmata Space. He waved at the Ruan Mei Magic Wand in greeting.
"Hello."
"You are Miss Herta... No, wait... You lack that extreme narcissistic aura Miss Herta possesses."
"Correct. You may call me the Second Herta."
After saying this, Herman could not help but sigh inwardly.
I truly didn't expect that my meeting with Ruan Mei—and even with her Magic Wand—would occur under such tense circumstances.
But time is short and the task is urgent. I must quickly teach the Magic Wand how to master life vitalization technology.
With that thought, Herman turned to Ruan Mei and asked seriously, "Where are the books on life vitalization technology?"
"They are within Ruan Mei's Stigmata Space," she replied, her soul gazing steadily at Herman. "But after you finish reading them, will there still be time to teach the Magic Wand? Or rather... can you comprehend my biological vitalization techniques in such a short time?"
"Do not underestimate me."
A confident expression identical to Herta's appeared on Herman's face.
In the next instant, he activated his cheat.
Research System points—burn!
The rapidly consumed points did not enhance Herman's research capability. Instead, they amplified his comprehension of existing technology, turning his eyes into scanning instruments.
One glance. Then another.
Within an extremely brief span of time, Herman memorized Ruan Mei's biological vitalization techniques in their entirety. Immediately afterward, he began explaining every aspect of the technology in rapid succession.
Naturally, while describing the technical content, Herman continued burning points.
Thus, within the Stigmata Space, the Ruan Mei Magic Wand was astonished to discover that it truly understood the techniques described by the Second Herta.
Realizing this, the Magic Wand seized the opportunity and listened with complete concentration.
As for Ruan Mei herself, at this moment she both confirmed that Herman's theoretical explanations were entirely correct and noticed the abnormality of her Magic Wand. A trace of astonishment surfaced in her eyes.
The Second Herta had genuinely comprehended the biological vitalization technology in such a short time—comprehended it deeply enough to lecture the Magic Wand in a way it could understand.
Unbelievable!
But if that were the case, then Herta's ability to research multiple seemingly miraculous technologies with such extreme efficiency suddenly became reasonable.
After all, both of her personalities were geniuses.
By herself, she was two geniuses—capable of working day and night without pause.
...
After some time passed, the Ruan Mei Magic Wand finished learning the vitalization techniques. It immediately declared to the Second Herta—Herman—and to Ruan Mei that it would complete its mission: to vitalize Amphoreus and even cause it to evolve from a purely data world into a physical world.
Ruan Mei nodded lightly.
Herman raised his hand and made an encouraging gesture toward the Magic Wand.
Filled with excitement, the Ruan Mei Magic Wand left Ruan Mei's Stigmata Space, intending to share the good news with Herta 100.
At the same time, as Herman prepared to depart as well, he noticed that Ruan Mei was staring at him. Her gaze was so intense it seemed as though she wished to devour him whole.
Gulp.
Herman swallowed and asked, "Miss Ruan, why are you looking at me with such a peculiar expression?"
"As expected, you are not the Herta I know. She would never address me as 'Miss Ruan,'" Ruan Mei said, shaking her head. Her gaze toward Herman grew even more fervent.
"I truly wish to know how this extraordinary second personality of yours separated from Herta. If possible, I would like to research everything about you."
After a brief pause, she continued, "Next, I will begin researching soul containers. If one day you grow tired of residing within Herta, you may come to me. You would be most welcome here, Second Herta."
Gulp.
Herman swallowed again.
He suddenly realized that Ruan Mei was attempting to poach him from Herta—to take him away from her side.
Almost in the next instant, The Herta's anxious voice echoed through Ruan Mei's Stigmata Space.
"Hey, Ruan Mei... she's my person. Don't even think about stealing her from me."
"I merely extended an invitation," Ruan Mei replied with a faint smile curling at her lips. "There is no need for you to be nervous, Herta."
"That's right. Don't worry, Herta—I won't be leaving. After all, our souls are bound together."
With that, Herman leapt outward, returning to Herta's Stigmata Space.
The moment he arrived, he saw Herta 100. When she spotted him, her eyes immediately lit up.
"Second Herta! It's wonderful to see you again. Earlier, when the Stigmata Space connection was severed, I was worried I might never see you again."
"Don't worry. I'm here... By the way, did you remember The Herta's instructions just now?"
"Of course." Herta 100 patted her chest and said seriously, "Wasn't it to find Cyrene and obtain the data of Amphoreus' Emperor's Scepter from her?"
After speaking, Herta 100 scratched her head.
"But from what I've observed, Cyrene is just an extremely beautiful girl with pink hair. How could she possibly possess Amphoreus' data?"
"The Cyrene of this era is indeed an ordinary girl. But Fuli of Amphoreus—who returned from the future—is different. In any case, go find Cyrene next."
Herman paused briefly before continuing.
"In addition to seeking Cyrene, you must find the Flame Reaver—the one who conceals his form and face. Tell him that the dawn of salvation has appeared."
"The key to salvation lies in the Herta Puppet, the Ruan Mei Magic Wand, and Screwllum's monocle. He must ensure these existences remain within Amphoreus and are not seized by Lygus and buried underground."
"Hurry... quickly go..."
As Herman spoke, his figure within the Stigmata Space began to distort and collapse.
This phenomenon immediately made him realize that Lygus' offensive had intensified once more—he was severing the Stigmata Space connection.
Almost at the next instant, the connection was completely cut.
Herta 100 opened her eyes in Erimitre within Amphoreus. Her gaze was solemn as she spoke to the Ruan Mei Magic Wand in her hand.
"I just reconnected with Herta's Stigmata Space. Madam Herta gave me a special mission."
"So did I," the Ruan Mei Magic Wand replied. "Just now, Miss Ruan contacted me through the Stigmata Space and assigned me a special task."
"In that case, shall we complete our missions together?"
"Yes."
Gripping the Ruan Mei Magic Wand tightly, Herta set off at top speed to find Cyrene. Upon locating her, she wore an earnest expression and said respectfully (cutely):
"Please give me the data of Amphoreus' Emperor's Scepter. It is truly important to me. I beg you, Cyrene."
???
Cyrene herself looked utterly confused.
Finally, she waved her hand helplessly. "Herta, I would love to give you whatever you're talking about—but what is the Emperor's Scepter? I honestly have no idea what you're saying."
At those words, little Herta felt her heart sink.
She believed the mission issued by Madam Herta had already failed.
At that very moment, Fuli of Amphoreus—who had been invisible beside the two of them all along—murmured softly within her heart.
Herta wants the data of Amphoreus' Emperor's Scepter?
But how did she know Cyrene would possess it? Could it be that this genius has already discovered me—who returned from the future—through some special technological means?
Is this truly the wisdom of a genius?
After marveling inwardly, Fuli of Amphoreus did not hesitate.
She bundled all the information and data of the Emperor's Scepter—Amphoreus' super astral computer—into a data package and transmitted it to The Herta outside Amphoreus.
At the same time, she kindly whispered to the dejected little Herta:
"Herta, the item has already been delivered. So don't be discouraged—smile."
!!
Startled by the sudden voice, little Herta jumped and quickly looked around. Her gaze finally settled on Cyrene.
"Did you just say something?"
Cyrene shook her head. "I didn't say anything. I only saw you suddenly react... What just happened?"
Herta did not answer. Instead, she fell into deep thought.
Everything unfolded exactly as the Second Herta said. Within this strange world called Amphoreus, there truly exists a Cyrene who returned from the future to this era.
She can even interfere with spacetime!
Wait... The Second Herta referred to the future-returned Cyrene as Fuli of Amphoreus. Fuli—the Aeon of Remembrance!?
Cyrene... carries the bearing of an Aeon?!
Hiss—
Herta drew in a sharp breath inwardly. The way she looked at Cyrene grew increasingly strange.
...
Meanwhile, outside the world of Amphoreus, aboard the Ruanruan spacecraft, The Herta herself received the extraordinarily special data package of the Emperor's Scepter—Amphoreus.
This confirmed for her that Fuli of Amphoreus, the Aeon who had returned from the future, truly stood on her side.
Very quickly, she skimmed through the contents of the Emperor's Scepter data package.
Although she reviewed it hastily, she still discerned the flaw within the data world of Amphoreus—the weakness of the Emperor's Scepter.
"I know where the weakness of this data world lies. Follow me—attack the weakest point in its data structure."
As Herta's voice fell, Ruan Mei and Screwllum immediately followed her lead.
The astral computers of three star systems roared once more. Endless streams of computational power spun wildly, forming a drilling force that bored directly into the weakest point of Amphoreus' firewall.
Lygus, who had just finished repairing the Emperor's Scepter's bugs and had believed he could repel the three geniuses in one stroke, suddenly discovered that their attacks had grown increasingly precise.
Every strike targeted the most fragile portion of Amphoreus' data world.
His heart sank.
The geniuses of the younger generation truly cannot be underestimated. In such a short time, they have already identified Amphoreus' weak point and launched a concentrated assault.
However, to think they can seize Amphoreus outright is nothing but a dream!
After all, no matter what, Lygus was one-ninth of Zandar.
At this moment, Lygus became completely serious. All manner of methods erupted forth.
Thus, the intensity of the data warfare surrounding Amphoreus escalated to an entirely new level.
At the same time, within Amphoreus itself, little Herta began moving once more.
Following the information provided by the Second Herta, she located the still-childlike Khaslana and informed him that the dawn of salvation had appeared...
???
Little Phainon looked utterly bewildered.
Almost simultaneously, a tall black-robed figure wearing a mask appeared behind him. His body trembled, his lips quivered, and in a hoarse voice filled with emotion he asked:
"Is what you say true, Miss Herta?!"