While crafting the Soul Gem V1 prototype, Herman also activated Universal Genius and World-Shaking Wisdom on himself as buffs.
The fifty percent boost from Universal Genius was not particularly significant for Herman. It merely increased his research points from 1 to 2.
But World-Shaking Wisdom was different. Regardless of how many research points Herman had, it directly granted him astonishing flashes of inspiration.
I reckon... it can be done like this...
Following the spark of insight that flashed through his mind, Herman began constructing the V1 Soul Gem and incorporated into it certain abilities from the Research System in his past-life memories:
The talking function of Ruby's transformation device from Magical Girl Illya, its ability to recognize a master, and the capacity to transform into a grand staff form.
As for the appearance of the staff—it would simply take the form of the staff that The Herta would wield in the future. And yes, its size could change at will.
When enlarged, it could grow as tall as The Herta wearing her pointed hat. When reduced, it could shrink into a key.
Right, since its smaller form is a key, it could also be given the ability to unlock the power of wisdom—and even grant enhanced wisdom!
And since this Soul Gem was based on Herta's original design product, why not integrate a trace of Herta's spirituality into it and make it her companion artifact?
No, that wouldn't be correct. In the world of Honkai: Star Rail, there was no concept of magical artifacts. It should be described as Herta's companion Curio.
As Herman activated World-Shaking Wisdom, he poured numerous magical girl–related concepts from his past life into the Soul Gem V1 prototype that was still under construction.
After some time, the gemstone's core body was finally forged. It was a black-violet gem, brimming with mystery and extraordinariness. Under the white glow of the incandescent lamp, it reflected dazzling brilliance.
However, Herman knew the crafting process was not yet complete. One final step remained—recognizing its master.
Herman bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the Soul Gem, completing the master recognition ritual.
Thus, the Soul Gem became bound to Herta—both at the level of DNA and at the level of the soul.
"What are you doing?!"
The pain in her finger pulled The Herta's attention away from her research. Her consciousness shifted back to her physical body, and she directed a questioning voice toward Herman's soul. "Why are you harming yourself for no reason? This is my body."
"This is called blood-binding recognition," Herman explained seriously. "Now this Magical Girl · Soul Gem V1 prototype has completely recognized its master."
The Herta was speechless. "What blood-binding recognition? My Soul Gem blueprint never included such a design. But you've reminded me—the Soul Gem really should include a master recognition mechanism. It would need to collect DNA..."
As she spoke, she gradually fell into contemplation, considering how to further refine the Soul Gem project.
At that moment, Herman lifted the black-violet gem, within which something like a galaxy flowed, and said slowly:
"Your blueprint naturally didn't include blood-binding recognition. But the V1 Soul Gem prototype I created does have that setting."
The Herta's tone was skeptical. "You?"
Herman wore an exaggeratedly smug expression and replied inwardly, 'Don't underestimate me. I am the Research System itself. A prototype crafted by my hand naturally possesses something special. If you don't believe me, you can try using it yourself.'
With that, Herman returned control of the body to The Herta.
The Herta opened her eyes and gazed at the gem in her hand. A flicker of surprise quickly crossed her expression. According to her original design, the finished product of this semi-complete Soul Gem should have been extremely plain in appearance—not this lavish and magnificent.
Could it be that Herman had not been lying?
That a prototype crafted by his hand truly possessed something extraordinary?
With that thought, The Herta closed her eyes and tightened her grip on the Soul Gem, channeling the energy of the Path of Erudition into it. In that instant, intense shock filled her face.
...
In her mind, she sent Herman a voice brimming with astonishment and confusion:
"How is this possible!"
"How can the amplification of Path energy reach one hundred percent? According to my blueprint, this V1 version of the Soul Gem should only amplify Path energy strength by ten percent!"
"A tenfold increase, Herman—how did you do this?!"
Herman looked proud. "I'm the system. As long as I want to, I can do it."
The Herta cut straight to the core of the matter. "You didn't secretly use my points, did you?"
"Of course not!!" Herman's voice rose an octave. "Do you take me for that kind of person?"
"..."
The Herta said nothing. Instead, she turned her thoughts inward and opened her host interface. Very quickly, she saw that her points total remained at thirty thousand.
"Oh? The points haven't changed. So it really wasn't my points that caused the change in the Soul Gem's construction."
"Of course not. You went too far just now—actually questioning my character."
As he spoke, Herman opened the system panel visible only to him as the system's master. It displayed sixty thousand points. Beneath that was a line of text:
World-Shaking Wisdom activated.
Triggered: I reckon the Soul Gem can be made like this.
Modified Soul Gem—Judgment: Great Success!
Points consumed: 10,000.
That was right. Herman originally had seventy thousand points. Adding Herta's thirty thousand brought the total to one hundred thousand research points.
These one hundred thousand research points came from Herta, the tireless worker, researching and solving the Solitary Waves Theory and developing the Soul Gem. The points were split seventy-thirty.
Herta, the worker, received thirty percent.
Herman, the system's master, received seventy percent.
...
The Herta said, "I misunderstood you just now. Sorry... But as for you saying I questioned your character—I reserve judgment. After all, you aren't even human. You are a cheat that belongs exclusively to me."
Herman retorted, "Exclusively to you? That's quite a possessive phrase."
The Herta placed her hands on her hips and said irritably, "Earlier, you were the one claiming you'd always be watching me. We're hardly any different."
Herman quickly changed the subject. "Alright, let's drop that. Aside from multiplying Path energy by ten, the V1 prototype Soul Gem should have other uses. Try it again!"
Other uses?
The Herta felt a trace of uncertainty.
According to her original design, the V1 version of the Soul Gem should have functioned solely as a Path energy amplifier and nothing more.
But since Herman said the V1 prototype Soul Gem had additional abilities, she might as well test it further.
With that thought, The Herta tightened her grip once more. The gem began to radiate a black-violet glow, filled with mysterious light...