What was a Curio?
To my understanding, a Curio was something like an artifact, an object with unique properties and might carry some importance in the story itself.
But then, what kind of Curio was Himeko commissioning Herta to create?
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Title: Curio Order Commission
Client: Murata Himeko
Faction: Astral Express (Trailblaze)
Code: 25138S289B4
Commission Details
Type: Armor, Close and long ranged weaponry Attribute: FireAdditional Features: forcefield shield, subspace storage, combat assistant AI……
Design Blueprint
Design Blueprint: [ArmorDesignBP.File][WeaponDesignBP.File]
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'Oh boy, this looks familiar and I am not liking it.'
A creeping sense of déjà vu settled in as I read, growing heavier with every line. That feeling was proven right when I saw the blueprints. In that instant, my mind replayed the animation video where Himeko wore the Godsbane Battlesuit in the battle against the Herrscher of the Void.
There were some differences between the two, of course.
The Vermillion Knight Eclipse and the one in the blueprint have several different aspects, but the core remains the same. A futuristic armor accompanied by an arsenal of weapons, colored in shades of red and orange hues like incandescent flames.
It felt like the old suit had died in battle, and now was in the process of being reborn anew from its ashes.
However…
'Can I really do it?'
I finally had time to be alone and allow things to slow down a bit, letting me think and reflect on things that happened so far. Inevitably, doubt and uncertainty made their way in my mind.
I am certain that a certain heartless scriptwriter[1] must have a Final Lesson hidden somewhere in his notes.
'Can I, who have only been here for less than a day and managed through lies and deceit, create a miracle that will prevent this tragedy?'
[Notice: Your resolve is dropping, it is advised to 'lock in'.]
'…You know what? You are right, Great Sage.' I slapped both of my cheeks hard and got up from the couch. 'I may not be a genius. I'll probably fail more times than I succeed, but I'll at least try.'
I won't allow another Final Lesson to take place.
At that moment, something changed inside me.
Warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading through my body like forest fire, and strengthening my resolve.
[Notice: Awakening of imaginary energy confirmed. wavelength aligns with the Paths of Erudition and Trailblaze.]
I closed my eyes briefly, letting my body adjust to its new state. The cold logic of Erudition and the flame of salvation of Trailblaze intertwined within me, coexisting and forming a balance.
"There is no room for doubt or hesitation." I murmured. "I need to start my thesis right away. It'll be my greatest, and probably the most arduous work."
I walked into the bedroom, booted the PC at my desk, and logged into HertaLibrary.
"And its topic will be…"
[Conclusion: You are now a Pathstrider of Erudition and Trailblaze.]
"…Deliverance."
It was time to absorb every fragment of knowledge offered by a generous Emanator.
"Maximum effort!"
—
In an inaccessible corner of HertaPlanet, Herta puppet #3 walked down the corridor and stopped before an entrance.
*Swiiish*
The automatic doors slid open, allowing her into the laboratory.
Inside, several other Herta puppets were operating machines or noting down meticulously everything that was happening.
Herta puppet #3 paid no mind to others and headed directly to her objective: The Herta, her original self.
"Report on experimental subject Welt Royce." Herta announced to The Herta.
"Oh, him? I'd almost forgotten about him." The Herta replied, eyes never leaving the holographic screen before her. "So, what about him? It's been two weeks since he appeared, I hope he has done something interesting."
"He had selected his assignment 7 seconds prior to the deadline. The assignment code is #25138S289B4."
"#25138S289B4…That should be a request from the Navigator of the Nameless." Herta raised an eyebrow in intrigue, recalling the scene when they first met. "I was planning on handling it at a later time, but it seems that someone wants to do it for me." A faint smile formed on her face as she realized there might be some connection between him and the Nameless, and was tempted to send his picture to Himeko and await for the results. "I wonder how he will even handle it."
What she hadn't told him was that the only requirement for passing her test was to interest her. Quality could always be improved, and in this instance, Herta valued the methodology more as it would bring new ways to think and new questions to ask.
"For the following eleven days, he remained in his assigned residence without leaving. The system recorded data-bank access at an average of thirteen seconds per file. A total of 55,785 files have been opened so far."
Herta nodded with satisfaction. This was the bare minimum level of dedication her work demanded
"Continue."
"And recently, he has asked permission to research on Curio #6–11 from the Space Station as well as the Stellaron."
"#6–11…" Herta murmured. "That corresponds to the shards of a broken blade that I recovered during an expedition. If I recall, I kept it because it carried an unknown type of energy. But besides that, they are quite unremarkable." And Herta proceeded to rown slightly. "But about the Stellaron…he already knows it's located in the Space Station, but why would he need it to create the Curio?"
Herta rubbed her chin, in deep thought.
"Alright, tell him that—"
—
"—Madam Herta has approved your request." Herta #3 said the first thing in the morning. "You may freely research on the Curio #6–11. However, regarding the Stellaron, there are several other rules that are to be followed and most importantly, you are to be accompanied by me all the time during it, understood?"
"Roger, Madam Herta." I playfully saluted in response.
I was genuinely surprised when I saw her at the door earlier. Usually, she would respond via messages or just hit me with the classic [Automatic reply]. Nevertheless, after spending the past week frying my brain with accelerated thought while the Great Sage force-fed me knowledge in digestible formats, her company was welcome.
"Good, now gather whatever you need and meet me outside."
"We're going to the space station now?" I asked in surprise.
"Of course, or do you prefer waiting?" She asked with a mocking smile. "It isn't me with limited time here."
"…Touché. I'll be right back." I said and spun around and ran to my room.
I dashed to my room, grabbed spare clothes, a toothbrush, and my notes, then stuffed everything into a suitcase with expanded subspace storage that I ordered from Hertazon (it had 5 stars in HertaReviews).
I wrapped my scarf around my neck, leapt out the window, and landed neatly behind Herta #3 on the carpet.
"I am ready."
[1] A/N: Heartless Scriptwriter = Shaoji