One system hour later, inside a conference room at the Blue International Diplomatic Hall.
The Herta rewrote the verification formula for the Solitary Waves Theory, solving this Fourth Cosmic Conundrum.
Of course, in order for Yao Guang, the Yuque's Arbiter-General, to understand it, she added numerous annotations, explaining why each step of the formula was resolved in that particular way.
In short, this second solution to the Solitary Waves Theory by The Herta consumed dozens of pages, the vast majority of which were explanatory notes.
Across from her, General Yao Guang of the Xianzhou Yuque relied purely on memory to recreate the construction blueprints of the Yuque.
Naturally, the two of them had entirely different reasons for handwriting their designs and solutions.
The Herta did so because she feared Yao Guang would not understand the problem-solving process, and thus deliberately wrote detailed annotations.
After all, her original draft had indeed been rather unconstrained and imaginative.
As for Yao Guang, she hand-drew the schematics because this transaction was her personal on-the-spot decision. If she were to follow official procedures and return to the Xianzhou Yuque to retrieve the blueprints, it would likely take dozens of days, perhaps even longer.
It was far more efficient to draw them directly from memory... and more importantly, her spiritus—Kālacakra Skyplume—could manifest a realm that was not only capable of measuring fortune and misfortune, but also of deducing the future.
It could also transform into a thousand hands and a thousand eyes to assist in drafting designs.
In summary, by the time this single system hour reached its conclusion, Yao Guang had already drawn several hundred sheets of blueprints, barely completing the structural layout of the Xianzhou vessel.
Thus, The Herta and Yao Guang exchanged their manuscript pages.
Like The Herta, the moment she obtained the structural schematics of the Xianzhou, she rapidly skimmed through them. Upon discovering the internal structure of the vessel, she immediately confirmed that this trade had been absolutely worthwhile.
The Xianzhou Alliance's vessels were indeed extraordinary.
For example, within the Delve structural design of the ship, there were traces of black hole celestial rotation... capable of distorting time.
Additionally, the blueprints included a foundational Imaginary Tide Deflection Shield.
It could draw upon Imaginary energy—or even the energy of a Path—to evade planet-destroying strikes from external sources.
This was the super-universal Xianzhou Alliance's vessel design. Although this particular technology had already been phased out for a millennium by star calendar reckoning, or more than ten Amber Eras, it was still undeniably impressive.
With these schematics, I already have inspiration forming in my mind. Before long, I can directly construct the Herta Xianzhou!
The Herta thought to herself.
Meanwhile, Yao Guang was examining the manuscript written by Herta. She noticed the specially written solution steps and annotations prepared just for her.
Her first thought was:
Annotations for the solution? Was that really necessary?!
Though Yao Guang was not a genius of the Genius Society, she was still a general of the Xianzhou Yuque, one skilled in calculating fortune and misfortune and strategizing the world. In terms of intelligence, Madam Yao was inferior to none.
Moreover, she possessed the augmentation known as the Eye of Īśvara.
With that in mind, Yao Guang automatically ignored the annotations and focused directly on Herta's original manuscript, following the line of reasoning step by step.
So this is how the Fourth Cosmic Conundrum is solved?
Wait... why does the process skip steps here?
Is this really how it works?
Yes, yes!
Is it?
No, no...
The more she read Herta's manuscript while blocking out the annotations, the more chaotic her thoughts became, and the more bewildered she felt.
At that moment, she finally understood why the Solitary Waves Theory had become the Fourth Cosmic Conundrum, and she truly grasped the weight carried by the title of 83rd Seat of the Genius Society.
And just then, The Herta's voice rang out within the conference room.
"General Yao Guang, how is my problem-solving approach for the Solitary Waves Theory?"
"The beginning was manageable," Yao Guang admitted. "But afterward, I could no longer understand it at all." As she spoke, the calm composure she had displayed at first was gone. The faint smile that had lingered at the corners of her lips had completely vanished.
"You didn't read the annotations, did you?" The Herta saw through her instantly.
"...I did not," Yao Guang sighed. "I originally believed that relying on myself, along with the augmentation of the Reignbow Arbiter's spiritus, I would be unstoppable. Yet even when facing an already solved Solitary Waves Theory, I still cannot comprehend it!"
"It truly deserves to be the Fourth Cosmic Conundrum that has stumped countless people. And it truly deserves to be the work of the newly ascended genius, Miss Herta."
At this moment, General Rongtao Yao Guang fully recognized the value of the Genius Society's newly admitted genius, the 83rd Seat, Herta.
Herta replied, "Combine the annotations with the solution steps and read it carefully. You should gain new insights, General Yao Guang."
"..."
Yao Guang said nothing more. She reintegrated the previously ignored annotations into Herta's version of the Solitary Waves Theory solution. This time, she managed to understand it, albeit with difficulty.
However, to completely grasp the full process would still require time. As for integrating the Fortune Hexagram with the Solitary Waves Theory, that would take even longer. It would be a vast undertaking.
...
Watching Yao Guang—sometimes frowning, sometimes revealing expressions of delight—The Herta spoke inwardly to Herman:
"It seems my research isn't so easily deciphered. Even a Xianzhou general, without the annotations, cannot follow my reasoning to understand how the Solitary Waves Theory was solved."
"—As expected of me!"
Herman replied, "You were already formidable. After all, you're the one bound to me."
Herta gave a soft snort in her heart. "Hmph."
Then she thought of something else. "Then why did you previously tell me to research the Celestial Mechanism Project · Magical Girl Formula and encrypt the Soul Gem?"
Herman answered, "A genius' research is difficult to decipher for ordinary people, even for typical scholars... but what if another genius of the Genius Society takes action? Or someone spends an enormous sum to hire one of them?"
"The interests tied to the Soul Gem are immense. It is not merely the first-generation Magical Girl Transformation Device—it is also a Pathstrider Energy Amplifier and amplifier for Path energy."
"And Path amplifiers have always been rare treasures in the universe, usable only by a select few."
"Now that you've developed the Soul Gem... if someone wants a share of the profits from you, they will naturally attempt to produce counterfeits. At that point, there would be a risk of technological leakage."
Herta nodded. "That makes sense."
At that moment, Herman let out a subtle sigh of relief in his heart. Good, I managed to smooth that over.
Truthfully, before today, Herman had not expected that even after writing down the full solution steps of the Solitary Waves Theory for Yao Guang, she still would not understand it.
It could only be said that the value of a genius was simply too high.
No wonder that in his previous life, within the game Honkai: Star Rail, countless scholars gathered at Herta Space Station to study Herta's manuscripts, yet still found the research exceedingly difficult.
In that case, with the added reinforcement of the Celestial Mechanism Project · Magical Girl Formula, the Soul Gem was likely impossible to decrypt—even if another genius of the Genius Society personally attempted it.
Earlier, when leaving the Genius Society outpost, Ruan Mei had mentioned that she intended to research the Soul Gem's spiritual properties. Her research was probably already stalled by now.
Herman's lips curved into a faint smile as his thoughts reached this point.
At that very moment, Yao Guang, having already memorized the solution to the Solitary Waves Theory, lifted her head and asked how The Herta found the Xianzhou vessel blueprints.
A faint smile rested on The Herta's lips as she replied, "Excellent. I already have some inspiration. Perhaps before long, a Xianzhou vessel designed solely by Herta, bearing the name of Herta, will be born into the universe."
Yao Guang smiled. "When that day comes, the Xianzhou Alliance will welcome Miss Herta to join us."
"I'll pass. I do not believe in The Hunt." Herta shook her head in refusal.
Yao Guang was not bothered by those words. Her expression was relaxed now. After all, her primary purpose in coming to The Blue—to obtain the Solitary Waves Theory—had already been achieved.
With a light expression, she asked, "Shall we rest for a while, or continue discussing cooperation regarding the Soul Gem?"
"I can rest," Herta replied. "As for negotiations concerning the Soul Gem, you'll need to speak with my assistant."
A look of understanding appeared on Yao Guang's face. "Miss Pearl, then? Understood."
Just then, the phone Herta carried with her rang. She picked it up and glanced at the screen, discovering that the caller was the very Pearl they had just mentioned.
Herta pressed the answer button and heard Pearl's report.
"Miss Herta, I have finished negotiations with Miss Jade. I successfully secured a higher price."
Herta raised a brow. "Go on."
"In addition to the company warship design schematics originally proposed, Miss Jade has also agreed that the future construction costs of your Herta Xianzhou... will be fully borne by the Interastral Peace Corporation."
Herta looked genuinely surprised. "The cost of constructing a Herta Xianzhou would be enormous. Jade actually agreed to that?"
"Yes."
The next moment, Jade's voice also sounded over the phone.
"Miss Herta, Pearl is a rare talent. She is not only eloquent, but also possesses exceptional commercial aptitude. I am somewhat tempted to invite Miss Pearl to join the company."
"Believe me, if Pearl joins the Strategic Investment Department, she will grow rapidly within less than two Amber Eras."
"She might even break the long-standing rumor within the company—that Intellitrons cannot ascend to the upper ranks—and become another member of the Ten Stonehearts besides myself."
Herta rejected the proposal immediately.
"Pearl is an Intellitron devoted to the study of art. Staying with me, the genius Herta, is more than enough. There is no need for her to be tainted by the copper stench of the company."
"Furthermore, with her by my side, I will naturally protect and value her. Once the universe knows my attitude toward her, perceptions of Intellitrons will change accordingly."
"Thank you, Miss Herta."
Pearl's grateful voice came through the call.
"No need for thanks. Continue working. I still need you to negotiate with General Yao Guang regarding the Soul Gem."
"Understood. I will come immediately."
Pearl ended the call.
Across from her, Jade once again extended the invitation. "Are you truly unwilling to consider joining the Strategic Investment Department, Miss Pearl?"
Pearl shook her head and gazed steadily at the woman seated before her.
"Through rational deduction, your sincere invitation for me to join the Strategic Investment Department is certainly partly due to my persuasive abilities. However, more importantly... it is because I am the assistant to the genius Miss Herta, correct?"
"The company hopes to make use of that connection. If I were to join the IPC, the company could leverage this relationship to form a closer cooperative partnership with Miss Herta."
"As for your earlier statement that I possess the potential to become one of the Ten Stonehearts—that was meant to persuade me, was it not?"
"You are indeed intelligent," Jade remarked, crossing her long legs elegantly in her chair.
"You have analyzed my strategy thoroughly. Despite having been manufactured less than forty-eight system hours ago—by the standards of Screwllum's planet, you would only just have reached adulthood and entered society, a girl yet to experience hardship—you can already dissect my calculations so clearly."
She paused before continuing.
"However, there is one point where you are entirely mistaken. I genuinely believe you possess tremendous potential. You truly have the aptitude to become one of the Ten Stonehearts. That is my judgment—and the judgment of the cornerstone I bear."
"In fact, I have already reported your situation to the head of the Strategic Investment Department, member of the Seven-Person Board of Directors—Diamond."
"Even he evaluated you as a talent with great prospects should you join the company. So I ask you once more—are you willing to join the IPC?"
Hearing this, Pearl rose from her seat and gave Jade a respectful bow.
"Thank you for your high regard, Miss Jade. Had I not encountered Miss Herta, I might truly have accepted your invitation and joined the Interastral Peace Corporation to strive for advancement."
"But there is no 'if' in this world. The one I met first was Miss Herta. And she has treated me well. Therefore, I will continue to follow Miss Herta."
"Well said."
The conference room doors opened.
Herta stepped inside, glanced briefly at Jade, then fixed her gaze upon Pearl.
"I knew I hadn't misjudged you. You truly are a talent. Even when Jade invoked Diamond—an Emanator of Preservation—you did not choose betrayal."
Pearl smiled faintly. "I still remember your promise, Miss Herta—to take me to Planarcadia, to see the paintings of the legendary cosmic artist Graphia."
"I remember," Herta replied with a light smile. "Once the Herta Xianzhou is completed, our first destination will be Planarcadia."
Not only will the vessel sail to Planarcadia, Herta thought inwardly, I will also deploy little Hertas and Herta Puppets there.
That way, I can monitor Planarcadia at any time and know precisely when the Phantasmoon Games are held. When that happens, I can wear a Supplicant Mask and participate in the Phantasmoon Games as a supplicant.
With my ability, becoming champion would be effortless. Effortless...
And once I become champion, I can obtain one minute as Aha. At that time, I will make Aha speak—tell me which mysteries of the cosmos even They, an Aeon, find puzzling.
For example... I could ask Aha, in the legend where Aha climbed to the top of the Tree of Existence—what exactly did They see that made Them burst into laughter?
While Herta's thoughts raced, Pearl had already gathered a stack of blueprints and placed them into Herta's hands.
"Miss Herta, these are the company's starship design schematics, along with the cooperation contract awaiting your signature. We hope you will complete the design of the Herta Xianzhou soon, so that it may enter the universe as early as possible."
"Mm." Herta nodded. "Next, go discuss the Soul Gem cooperation with General Yao Guang."
At that moment, a hesitant middle-aged male voice sounded from outside the conference room door.
"We aren't late, are we?"
Herta, Jade, and Pearl turned toward the entrance.
Two unfamiliar middle-aged men stood there.
Herta and Pearl did not recognize them at all.
But Herman, residing within Herta's mind, recognized them instantly through her eyes.
One was the Dreammaster—Gopher Wood—who, after suffering grievous injuries, would abandon his physical body and merge with Penacony's sweet dream, wielding near-divine power within the dream.
The other was the watchmaker—Mikhail—the great Trailblazer who left the legacy of Trailblaze for future successors.
So at this point in time, Mikhail is still alive? And Gopher Wood has not yet lost his body and fused with the dream?
Herman's thoughts surged.
At that moment, Jade spoke first.
"The younger of the two gentlemen is Gopher Wood, envoy of the Oak Family. The other is—"
The elderly white-bearded man wearing a hat spoke up calmly.
"My name is Mikhail, an unremarkable Trailblazer. I awakened from the hibernation pod because I heard that someone intends to invade and target Penacony once again."
Jade replied seriously, "Not an invasion—cooperative development of Penacony's resources."
"Hmph. The company's words are not to be trusted. Penacony, located in the Asdana System, was originally a prison planet established by the Interastral Peace Corporation for the exile of criminals."
"Now, through the efforts of myself, Tiernan, Razalina, Hanu—countless people—we finally restored freedom to Asdana."
"Through tireless labor day and night, we personally created this 'Land of Dreams,' opening our arms to welcome countless dream-chasers. The former prison has become the Penacony of today."
"Therefore, I will never—nor could I ever—allow the newly flourishing Penacony to be reduced once more to a notorious prison planet of the universe!"
Mikhail's words struck the floor with force, echoing throughout the conference room.
Gopher Wood sighed helplessly.
"Mikhail, this time you truly misunderstand. The company's cooperation will benefit Penacony as a whole."
"I do not misunderstand." Mikhail shook his head and placed a hand upon his friend's shoulder. "You know as well as I do—over the years, the company has repeatedly attempted to regain control of Penacony through various means..."
"..."
Gopher Wood fell silent.
After several dozen seconds, he turned toward Jade, Herta, and Pearl.
"My apologies. Certain past events have left my friend with little trust in the company. He finds it difficult to believe that this cooperation between the company and the Family is truly for Penacony's development."
"I brought my friend Mikhail here precisely so that he may witness with his own eyes that this cooperation between the company, the Family, the Xianzhou Alliance, and a genius is indeed beneficial to Penacony."
Understanding dawned on Jade's face.
Meanwhile, Herta quickly asked Herman inwardly for information regarding Mikhail and Gopher Wood—this man who seemed to know a little about countless matters of the universe.