'Cyrene' pondered for a moment before speaking up:
"What world is it? Where exactly? Send me the info to take a look. If I have time, I might go check it out myself."
Baiheng couldn't help but laugh at 'Cyrene's' words.
Her smile was lovely.
"Sure. I've heard it's a branch of the Halovian race. But generally speaking, Celenova isn't the type to just pass by without making a move, so most likely we'll only need to deal with a Stellaron. If things really get messy, I'll ask for your help."
Used to being short on combat strength, Baiheng was always careful when arranging personnel.
Someone like Bai Ming—a real ace up the sleeve—wasn't a card to play lightly.
Better to call for help only when truly necessary.
Finding a solution for Stellarons was always tricky.
Dormant ones were somewhat easier, but once a Stellaron was activated, few could handle it.
Luckily, with the power of the Harmony and technological support from the Land of Light, the Galaxy Rangers could manage… for now.
'Cyrene' waved, watching Baiheng stride off with effortless grace.
Before she could even turn around, Herta's voice rang out from behind, dripping with sarcasm:
"Oho, still staring even though she's long gone?"
"…Talk like that and people might think you're jealous."
A resigned smile touched 'Cyrene's' lips as she turned to find Herta still in her pajamas, fluffy slippers on her feet.
Her hair hung loose as she leaned against the doorframe, glaring.
"Oh, who dares say Herta is jealous of someone else? It's always others being jealous of me."
"So you're only denying that part, huh."
'Cyrene' walked over, placed her hands on Herta's shoulders, and gently nudged her back into the room.
"What are you doing?"
"Making you rest, that's what. Why is a patient wandering around? If you needed something, you could've sent a puppet to call me."
She steered the stubborn Herta back to bed.
As a consequence, 'Cyrene' found herself slicing fruit again, hand-feeding the genius.
She brought up her earlier conversation with Baiheng.
"So? Planning to get involved?"
"No… I'm just a bit concerned, that's all. Besides, the Galaxy Rangers are already on it—why would I be needed?"
'Cyrene' shook her head.
"You better not. I'm starting that Simulated Universe project next. Don't you dare run off."
"You've decided on the name already? I thought you might change it."
"No need. It's fitting enough. And after this experience logging into Irontomb, studying the Scepter's structure gave me some new ideas for optimizing the framework."
The Emperor's Scepter's architecture was ancient, even using algorithms vastly different from modern ones.
But as a reference, it was still quite valuable.
"Not waiting for Stephen?"
"Wait for him?! Don't be ridiculous—do you know how old Stephen is in my other self's memories?!"
Herta shot 'Cyrene' a look of utter disdain.
As the youngest genius, Stephen was still helping his uncle at a fruit stand—that said everything.
The guy was thirty at most.
Maybe not even thirty.
How long were they supposed to wait?
"Besides, it's not like I'm short on people now. Screwllum, Ruan Mei, my other self, and you—five people aren't enough?"
Though she didn't know why, Herta had learned one thing from the Genius Society's perspective:
Even without the Genius's mantle, Bai Ming's mind was now on par with one.
Treating her as a genius was completely justified.
"…Not considering the possibility that I might refuse?"
"You'd be busy with other things for a month at most, then come back anyway. And if you really have good ideas, wouldn't it be better to work with us?"
"That's true, I suppose."
"Hmph~"
Seeing 'Cyrene' nod, Herta let out a soft hum.
Among them all, the one she wasn't sure about was actually her other self.
Now calling herself Divine Herta, she probably wouldn't be interested in redoing the Simulated Universe.
And over in the Land of Light, she'd likely start new projects anyway. But even excluding her, Herta still had four geniuses on her side—more than enough.
--+--
'Cyrene' stayed chatting with Herta for a good while before leaving.
Seeing Herta's complexion improve after the fruit and pastries, she finally felt reassured enough to go.
On her way out, she dropped by to see Captain Ken.
The main force was already preparing to withdraw, but a small contingent, led by Captain Ken, would stay behind to discuss follow-up matters with Amphoreus.
No matter what, everyone had witnessed that battle. Even if Amphoreus wasn't willing, it was already tied to the Land of Light's chariot.
They had to talk about what came next.
'Cyrene' also curiously asked about the Land of Light's stance toward Khaslana and Irontomb, now that it had such a Giant of Light.
The answer was exactly what you'd expect from the Land of Light.
As for Sparkle's side…
[Anonymous: Does Oswaldo really think he can make a move on Amphoreus? There's no chance. Why would he take on a mission like this?]
[Sparkle: The bigger the storm, the bigger the reward~ This time, I'm playing the role of his competitor—Vice-Director Sparkle of the Strategic Investment Department. Wanna join the fun?]
[Anonymous: …You're not planning to kill him now anyway. I'll pass. Call me when you're ready to set off fireworks.]
From what Sparkle implied, her fireworks would only go off once Oswaldo had completely restructured the entire department and secured his position as minister.
Until then, Sparkle wouldn't hold back at all—she'd just find ways to make trouble for him, pushing Oswaldo to scheme his way to the top.
Truly, Sparkle's mischievous streak was something else.
[Sparkle: Tsk, you really don't get it, do you? The process is the most fun part. Skipping straight to the outcome—where's the joy in that?]
[Anonymous: Ever considered… that I don't even believe in Elation in the first place?]
[Sparkle: Impossible. Absolutely impossible~]
[Sparkle: Anyway, you're definitely siding with Amphoreus, right? I'll be your mole when the time comes.]
[Anonymous: …Didn't I just say no?]
[Sparkle: Then recommend someone else?]
[Anonymous: Fine, forget it. I'll do it myself.]
[Sparkle: Heehee~]
Sparkle was delighted.
She knew her other self would do just that.
Teasing her was pretty fun.
And despite being such a genuine person, sometimes she could pull off the wildest stunts.
During Amphoreus's reconstruction earlier…
One of those two tall pink-haired figures had to be her, right?
Pretty gorgeous, too.
--+--
Returning to the fully restored Amphoreus, 'Cyrene' found Demiurge with little Cyrene at Aedes Elysiae.
By now, 'Cyrene' had pretty much figured out the relationship between Cyrene and Demiurge.
Originally two halves meant to merge and split endlessly, trapped in a cycle of cause and effect—Noa had intervened decisively, breaking the cycle and rewriting causality.
Now, little Cyrene had become a half separated from Demiurge, forming a close-knit pair of twins.
A happy ending, really.
Only, could Demiurge still transform into Mem?
It'd be a shame to lose that form.
Or maybe… only she, this 'Cyrene,' could do it now?
--+--