Beyond upgrading the Super Herta Astral Computer, The Herta also wanted to collaborate further with familiar genius friends such as Ruan Mei and Screwllum on the Simulated Universe project.
After all, it was well known that the field of biological research was Ruan Mei's specialty. As long as she reached a cooperation agreement with Ruan Mei, she could obtain massive amounts of data on the biological species of the cosmos.
As for cooperating with Screwllum, that would allow her to acquire data on inorganic matter and Intellitrons.
It could be said that collaboration with these geniuses was imperative. However, The Herta did not intend to personally persuade the two of them. Instead, she handed control of her body over to Herman and let him do the convincing.
As for herself, she remained within the Simulated Laboratory, further refining the design blueprint for Super Herta Astral Computer 2.0. As long as the blueprint was completed, the moment they returned to The Blue's star system, the astral computer could be upgraded immediately.
...
The Herta's eyes closed and opened again, and control of her body fell into Herman's hands. After opening his eyes, he looked at Ruan Mei and Screwllum and revealed a faint smile.
"How did the two of you feel about this trip to Amphoreus?"
"Not bad. I obtained part of the data on Amphoreus' electronic lifeforms," Ruan Mei replied. "In the past, my research field has always focused on flesh-and-blood life. The more unusual cases were things like the heliobi. As for purely electronic or signal-based life, I hadn't really studied it before. This journey has given me considerable inspiration."
"Rational analysis." Screwllum produced a monocle from somewhere and placed it upon his mechanical face, speaking seriously. "After this journey, I find myself concerned for the universe's future... It is not only Dr. Primitive conducting experiments on the devolution of cosmic life. Even Zandar One Kuwabara's slice has gone mad—he actually intends to kill the Aeons!"
"If his plan truly succeeds, then a war among the Aeons will inevitably arrive in the future."
At this point, Screwllum paused and looked at The Herta with a serious gaze. "Miss Herta, do you believe that the help we provided to the beings within Amphoreus will truly make a difference?"
"Of course." Herman gave an affirmative answer. "After all, within Amphoreus, there are still lives... who do not wish to see Lygus' plan succeed. With the assistance of us geniuses, they will grow stronger—strong enough to break free from Lygus' control."
"That is Lygus," Screwllum said. "A slice of Zandar—and only one-ninth at that... Rational deduction suggests that if he were to summon the other eight slices to aid him, then even if the beings within Amphoreus used the genius-level tools we provided, they would likely still be crushed outright."
Herman shook his head. "What Lygus seeks is not pure destruction. Besides, at some point in the future, we will return."
Screwllum replied, "But Miss Herta, we have already signed a balanced contract with Lygus. We cannot disclose what occurred within Amphoreus. That means we cannot assemble a cosmic coalition to crusade against him."
Herman let out a soft laugh. "I have no intention of forming a coalition. Give me some time to grow, and I will become an Emanator—perhaps even stronger than an ordinary Emanator. When that time comes, Ruan Mei and I can return to Amphoreus together. That would make two Emanators."
"If you push yourself a bit, Screwllum, perhaps you could become one as well."
Screwllum shook his head. "If an Intellitron were to become an Emanator, many would feel uneasy. They would fear the outbreak of a Third Emperor's War."
A strange glint flashed through Herman's eyes. "Are you saying you've already completed sufficient technical accumulation—that as long as you pass the Droidhead's trial... or receive Their gaze and blessing, you could become an Emanator?"
"..."
Screwllum did not speak. He simply lifted his head and gazed into the distance, thinking silently.
Rational deduction: After enduring two Emperor's Wars, the cosmos' countless beings do not wish to see an Intellitron become an Emanator once more.
However, as long as I am given time, one day I will restore the cosmos' evaluation of Intellitrons. After all, I am Screwllum—an Intellitron. My lifespan is exceedingly long.
Eight hundred years, even one thousand years. Even after the Xianzhou long-life species succumb to mara, I will continue to live on.
After reaching this conclusion, Screwllum addressed The Herta. "Miss Herta, I look forward to the day you crown yourself an Emanator. When that day arrives, I will once again cooperate with you to wage war upon Amphoreus and defeat the First Seat's slice."
Herman nodded slightly. "Agreed."
At that moment, Ruan Mei spoke. "Herta, we've shared what we gained from Amphoreus. What about you? With your talent, you must have made a significant harvest as well."
"Of course." Herman nodded without hesitation. "I obtained data from the world of Amphoreus—a complete Emperor's Scepter."
"An Emperor's Scepter?" Screwllum said. "Indeed, during the data offense and defense against Lygus, I also noticed that part of Amphoreus' world essence was extremely unique."
"How did you manage it?" Ruan Mei revealed a hint of curiosity. "When Amphoreus initiated its data intrusion, you were already going all out. You shouldn't have had time to obtain the Scepter data from Amphoreus."
"Wait... could it be that you relied on your second Herta personality?"
Herman shook his head slightly. "Not that. I didn't rely on the second Herta, but on data provided by a being within Amphoreus. I told you before... there is a group within Amphoreus striving for salvation."
"The arrival of visitors from beyond the heavens—or rather, the gifts they brought—allowed them to see a glimmer of hope. And so they delivered the Scepter data package."
"With this data package, I can not only upgrade the astral computer, but also combine it with the Solitary Waves Theory to calculate the future of the universe. The Simulated Universe project can now undergo preliminary trials."
"Ruan Mei, Screwllum, I would like to invite you both to join the Simulated Universe project. What do you think?"
"I agree," Ruan Mei replied.
"Agreed," said Screwllum.
Thus, The Herta's Simulated Universe project gained the participation of two geniuses.
...
Time passed swiftly. Another system day went by, and the Ruanruan carried Herman back to The Blue's star system.
He immediately went to the Soul Gem factory and discovered that under Herta 05's diligent work, little Herta's serial number had already reached 200.
"Well done." Herman gently patted Herta 05 on her small head in encouragement.
"I want a vacation."
Herta 05 spoke weakly. "I want to rest. I've been working on the production line nonstop. It's too exhausting."
"Of course. Take the day off and have some fun," Herman said with a smile.
Herta 05 trembled upon hearing those words. She raised her head and stared at the person before her.
"That just now was so unlike Madam Herta. You're the second Madam Herta! Second Madam Herta, you've finally come online. Herta 05 missed you so much."
"Good girl. Go have fun today. Here, take my black card and spend as much as you like." Herman handed the card in his hand to Herta 05.
"Dear Second Madam Herta, you're the best, best, best!"
Little Herta leaped up and hugged Herman, planting a kiss on his cheek.
Herman merely smiled at this and rubbed Herta 05's small head.
The dozens of newly manufactured Herta Puppets nearby saw this scene, and their eyes immediately began to shine.
Second Madam Herta was this approachable?
Everything Herta 05 usually said was true!
I want that too!
A whole group of little Hertas stared at Herman with burning eyes and prepared to pounce on him. Seeing this, Herman quickly said, "You all get a break too. Go relax and have fun. Put all your entertainment expenses on my card."
"Second Madam Herta is unparalleled beneath the heavens! Second Madam Herta topples cities and kingdoms! Second Madam Herta possesses peerless wisdom!"
"Second Madam Herta is unparalleled beneath the heavens! Second Madam Herta topples cities and kingdoms! Second Madam Herta possesses peerless wisdom!"
The little Hertas cheered as they all lunged toward Herman. In moments, he was completely submerged beneath a sea of little Hertas.
Of course, Herman possessed the protection of the Path of Erudition, as well as the Invincible Body... He did not find the little Hertas heavy at all. On the contrary, he felt that being surrounded by a crowd of little Hertas was an incredibly blissful thing.
The huge commotion caused by Herman being buried beneath the little Hertas drew The Herta's attention from within the Simulated Laboratory, causing her to frown slightly.
"Why did you give all of them a vacation? Aren't you treating them too well?"
"What are you talking about, Herta?" Herman replied seriously. "A large portion of these little Hertas were only manufactured today. It hasn't even been twenty-four system hours since they came off the line. Some of them joined the production line immediately after manufacture... they've never rested at all."
"A balance between work and rest is necessary. Giving the little Hertas one day off will make them happy too. Look at them now. Every single one of them is excited beaming with happiness."
"..."
The Herta fell silent for a moment before saying, "You should hurry and do something productive. And get them to stop already... Haven't you noticed that one perverted lovestruck Herta is rubbing her face against my black stockings while saying she finally hugged Madam Herta's thighs, slurp slurp...?"
"Uh..."
Hearing this, Herman called out for the Herta Magic Wand. In an instant, the wand carried him out from the swarm of little Hertas. Then Herman put on a serious expression and addressed the pile of little Hertas stacked together into a Herta mountain below him.
"Alright, now go have fun."
The moment Herman finished speaking, The Herta logged back in. She immediately gave a stern warning to the little Herta who had committed the indecent act.
"And Herta 150, no more acting like such a pervert in the future. Even though I am beautiful—beautiful enough that if Idrila were still alive, I could have become an Emanator of Beauty—but that still isn't an excuse for this sort of behavior."
"I just like Madam Herta too much. I won't do it again."
While saying this, Herta 150's eyes kept darting around, clearly just trying to brush The Herta off.
This made The Herta somewhat irritated, and Herman quickly soothed her.
"Don't be angry. They're all newborn children who haven't yet formed proper understanding. In the future, I'll teach them properly within the Stigmata space."
"I'm going back to continue working on the Herta 2.0 astral computer blueprint."
After saying this, The Herta prepared to return to the Simulated Laboratory once more. But at that moment, she seemed to remember something and added inwardly:
"Oh right. You really do need to start handling proper business now."
"Alright, alright." Herman answered seriously. "I'll contact Pearl and Jade to confirm whether the cooperation agreement for selling Honkai Beasts has been finalized, as well as whether sales have officially begun."
"Besides that, I'll also use the Stigmata Space to contact the many little Hertas dispatched throughout the cosmos and see whether any of them have encountered danger."
"Mm."
The Herta responded inwardly, and her consciousness entered the Simulated Laboratory.
Control over The Herta's body once again returned to Herman. He quickly picked up his phone and contacted Pearl to confirm the progress of the Honkai Beast sales agreement.
"Miss Herta, the Honkai Beast sales agreement has already been signed. In fact, IPC Building Material Logistics Department vessels have already departed for Mars, loaded Honkai Beasts aboard, and begun selling them throughout the cosmos."
"In addition, the Xianzhou Alliance has also purchased a batch of Martian Honkai Beasts and transported them to the Xianzhou Yaoqing to participate in the war against the Abundance."
"Miss Herta, you may check your account. A sum of Credits should already have arrived."
Hearing this, Herman immediately opened his Interastral Banking account on his phone. He instantly discovered that a massive quantity of Credits had appeared in the account.
Five trillion.
This was the payment from selling Honkai Beasts, as well as the profits from selling Soul Gems across the cosmos.
Herman's wealth had exploded.
It had multiplied several times over.
At that moment, Pearl continued asking over the phone, "Miss Herta, when will I head to Penacony and participate in the management of the Reverie Company?"
"Soon. Once the astral computer upgrade is complete, I'll be able to install a special Super Gene into you to ensure you won't die from accidents."
"An upgrade?"
Pearl was stunned by Herman's words. The thoughts of the Intellitron froze completely.
The Super Herta Astral Computer had only been completed recently, and it was already about to be upgraded again?
This was absurd.
...
At that moment, Herman logged into the Herta Stigmata space to inspect the signal conditions of the little Hertas who had already departed from The Blue's star system and traveled to different star systems.
He quickly discovered that, even across distances spanning from tens of thousands to tens of millions of light-years, the signals of the little Hertas remained perfectly stable, and that no major accidents had occurred.
Was the Fortune Glue they carried earlier taking effect?
Thinking this, Herman contacted them one by one. Very quickly, he reached Herta 33, the little Herta who had descended into the Three-Body star system.
"How are things over there, Herta 33?"
"Second Madam Herta, things are alright on my side. Right now, I'm surveying resource points within the Three-Body star system. In addition, I've discovered that Parvati Honkai Beasts have already appeared within the Three-Body world... The ice they emit allows the Trisolarans to continue working even during the alignment of three suns, instead of undergoing extreme dehydration like before..."
"They still have to work during the alignment of three suns? That's rough. But Herta 33, don't you feel hot?"
"Not at all." Herta 33 replied seriously. "When Madam Herta designed us, she already considered temperature control issues. Even if I'm exposed to three suns simultaneously, my body won't malfunction."
"Good. Then continue your work and investigate the mysteries of the Three-Body star system. Contact me if you discover anything."
"Yes, Second Madam Herta. I guarantee mission completion."
After responding, Herta 33 continued advancing through the crimson Three-Body world, heading toward the special resource point mentioned by the Trisolaran leader.
According to that Trisolaran leader, the minerals at the special resource point possessed extremely unique properties and seemed capable of unfolding across multiple dimensions... Resources like that might aid Madam Herta's research.
Herta 33 continued onward.
At that moment, Herman contacted another Herta—Herta 30, who existed within the Jarilo-VI world.
"How are things on your end, Herta 30?"
"Madam Herta, I'm currently within Belobog, the final city on Jarilo-VI. I've made contact with the gigantic robot creation known as the Engine of Creation, as well as Belobog's Supreme Guardian."
"Through the Supreme Guardian, I've confirmed that the snow and ice on Jarilo-VI are abnormal. They don't seem naturally occurring, but instead the result of some special influence..."
"I'm currently investigating further..."
As a transmigrator, Herman immediately understood everything upon hearing this.
"If nothing unexpected happens, the phenomenon affecting Jarilo's climate is the Stellaron known as the Cancer of All Worlds from beyond the stars. Herta 30, I'm assigning you a mission—capture the Stellaron of the Jarilo star system and attempt to seal it."
"Leave it to me. I'll definitely capture the Stellaron."
Herta 30's voice was filled with confidence.
The source of her confidence was simple. She could mobilize the computational power of the Super Herta Astral Computer to operate the Super Gene within her body. Once the Super Gene activated, she possessed strength far beyond mortals, enough to rival high-level Pathstriders.
More importantly, she was a Herta Puppet, and therefore part of Herta herself. As Herta, she naturally possessed this level of confidence.
"I believe you can do it. But there's no need to rush," Herman said seriously. "Soon, the Super Herta Astral Computer in The Blue's star system will undergo another upgrade. At that point, it will be able to allocate more computational power for your use, and your combat strength will increase dramatically."
"I understand. In that case, for the near future, I'll assist the Supreme Guardian." Herta 30 said seriously, "I want to help the people of this world emerge from the eternal winter..."
"Good."
Herman nodded in agreement.
...
Jarilo star system — Jarilo-VI.
After seeing her proposal approved, Herta 30 immediately opened her eyes and spoke to the Supreme Guardian nearby.
"My creator, Madam Herta, has agreed to let me help all of you solve your frozen predicament!"
As her words fell, Herta 30 floated into the sky, rushed out of Qlipoth Fort, and arrived above Belobog—the only human city remaining on Jarilo-VI.
Then she activated the Stellar Energy Drive · Super Gene Engine.
In an instant, infinite golden light erupted.
A humanoid sun appeared, bringing light and hope to the frozen people of Belobog.
Countless people of Jarilo raised their hands high and cried out:
"The sun!"
"A sun that only existed in ancient legends has appeared!"
"...Is the freezing cold covering the world of Jarilo finally about to disperse?!!"
"No, according to the announcement issued by the Supreme Guardian, this sun was created by an extraterrestrial visitor named Herta. It only covers the entirety of Belobog!"
"Has our savior finally arrived?"
"Long may Herta shine upon Belobog!"