Celenova didn't really mind—after all, a puppet's strength wasn't much. A few pokes wouldn't hurt.
Still, Lady Herta was as capricious as ever, getting worked up over the strangest things.
"Well, not exactly…"
Faced with Herta's imposing stance, Celenova couldn't decide whether to laugh or sigh.
She wasn't sure what to say.
It was Herta who clicked her tongue in annoyance, tilting her head as she turned to walk inside.
"Follow me. Let's talk about that grand plan of yours—sounding like some 'saint descending upon the world'."
"What saint descending upon the world?"
Celenova chuckled and shot back lightly before following her into the station.
At the same time, she asked curiously: "Speaking of which, I thought Lady Herta would've torn everything down and rebuilt from scratch. I mean, I did make a mess of things here as an impostor."
Herta shot her a glance and let out a soft humph.
"Glad you have some self-awareness. But even if you were a fake, the work you did wasn't half bad. Tearing it all down would mean I'd have to rebuild everything myself—might as well put this 'scrap' to good use."
Though just looking at this impostor made her want to pinch her cheeks and give her a good scolding, Herta had to admit—whether it was the station's renovations, the AI Herta acting as deputy, or the systems and regulations put in place, this girl had done a pretty decent job.
If Herta had to do it herself, she wouldn't bother investing all her energy into rebuilding anyway.
A half-hearted approach would probably lead to results similar to what they had now.
So, angry as she was, Herta had to acknowledge her capability—enough that most of her anger had already faded.
That's why she agreed to hear Celenova out about this proposal.
Even if it annoyed her, it might just bring something interesting to the table.
--+--
Herta led Celenova into her office.
Luckily, Herta Space Station wasn't as crowded then as it would later become, so no one recognized that a Lord Ravager had just walked in.
Entering Herta's office, Celenova noticed it wasn't much different from when she'd left—those portraits of the Genius Society members hadn't appeared yet.
"So, tell me exactly what you're planning. That body of yours might be good for brawling, but I doubt it's cut out for research."
Herta didn't know much about the person in front of her, but since this individual hadn't shown any special abilities while dealing with Zulo and Shuhu, it was likely that impersonating others didn't grant their skills.
Celenova pulled over a chair and sat down, stretching lazily, her form-fitting dress outlining her graceful figure.
"You're right, it's not enough—but what if it's Ruan Mei?"
"You know about—ah, so you're planning to borrow Ruan Mei's face next."
Herta caught on immediately.
If she could really make use of Ruan Mei's abilities, then Herta wouldn't mind joining in for something big.
Compared to other reclusive geniuses, Herta was relatively more willing to engage with her peers.
Though most of the time she still preferred researching alone, when it came to interdisciplinary projects, that was another story.
Celenova nodded: "That's right, though it won't be for long."
"But if it's Ruan Mei we're talking about, shouldn't you be able to handle that idea of yours—the one about bald guys patrolling the universe—all by yourself, impostor?"
Herta crossed her arms, looking at 'Celenova' with a challenging glint.
'Celenova' didn't take offense and went on:
"True, if all I wanted was to create a new species, I wouldn't need your help. But what I want isn't just one race."
About her wild idea—'Celenova' hadn't had the chance to explain it fully over the phone before Lady Herta insisted on meeting in person.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, I want to change the very concept of light in this universe. Like the Paths do—to respond to those trapped in despair, crying out for hope."
"…"
Herta fell silent at once.
She stared straight at 'Celenova', finally grasping what she was aiming for.
"Do you realize what you're saying?"
"I do. Imitating the concept of a Path, creating something artificial yet similar. That's why I came to you. Of course, besides you, I'd like to invite the real Ruan Mei—too bad I can't find her."
'Celenova's' unwavering attitude made Herta laugh.
"Heh… Hahaha~ Well now, I have to admit, impostor—you've really caught my interest. You're forgiven. Now tell me your name—your real one."
Creating an artificial imitation of a Path?
Heh~
Herta's lips curled upward uncontrollably.
Weren't Paths, after all, carved out by individuals?
And the one who forged a new Path would ascend to the level of an Aeon.
If they really went all the way with this artificial Path, who's to say it couldn't become a real one?
At least Herta felt the possibility, however slim, was not zero.
What a bold, insane plan.
But Herta loved plans like this.
Now this was worthy of the title "genius".
Watching Herta's sudden excitement, Celenova smiled and said: "Bai Ming. 'Bai' as in white, 'Ming' as in the cry of a bird."
"Good. I'll remember that name."
Herta nodded, then asked without pause: "When do we start?"
"In three days at the latest."
"Fine. I'll reach out to Ruan Mei, see if she's interested. I'm also curious what kind of sparks would fly with two Ruan Meis in the room."
Lady Herta was fully engaged now.
Once her anger had subsided, she almost felt like having Bai Ming play her again—just to brainstorm intensely with a version of herself for a while.
But for now, collaborating with another genius sounded plenty fun too.
"Well, let's hope she actually comes."
'Celenova' shrugged.
It'd be best if she showed up—then there'd be no worries about running low on emotional resonance.
"Oh, and here—" Herta, busy with something, suddenly sent 'Celenova' a star chart coordinate.
"What's this?"
"My current residence—Herta City. Your project isn't suitable for the space station."
In Herta's eyes, the space station was little more than a storage warehouse for Curios.
Small experiments or projects without major repercussions were fine there, but Bai Ming's plan clearly didn't fit either category.
The actual research site might not even be in Herta City, but it definitely wouldn't be on the station.
"You're inviting me to your home?"
'Celenova' was genuinely taken aback hearing "Herta City."
"What, scared I'll lock you up for twenty thousand years? I've thought about it—you're definitely worth it."
Herta made no effort to hide her desire.
In her eyes, Bai Ming was someone who could become any genius from history.
She could hardly imagine the thrill of conversing with all those bygone great minds—then brainstorming together.
What an incredible experience that would be.
--+--